Charles A “Charlie” Paris

Aug 29, 2023

Charles A “Charlie” Paris, of Williamsport, Pa. and Atlanta, Ga., has passed at 98. He died Saturday, Aug. 26. Born Dec. 21, 1924, he was raised in Ralston, Pa., the eldest son of the late Clarence B. Paris and Grace Beulah (Hawn) Paris. He lived briefly in Leighton and Montoursville before enlisting in the Navy during WW2. He served in the Pacific theater near Brisbane, Australia, and was part of the crew who constructed Subic Bay in the Philippines. Returning from the war, he married his high-school sweetheart Elizabeth “BJ” Kuhns in 1946 and settled in Williamsport, home for most of his life. During the summer pre-Covid, he moved to Atlanta to live with son Jeffrey and his wife Mary Jo, and to be near his granddaughters. He was a founding member of the Bald Eagle Art League (BEAL), formed in 1972; Charlie was past president, sometime officer, and frequent contributor. Though his earliest work was in B&W photography and oil painting, he became known for his wood carving, wood turning & furniture making. A basement craftsman and tinkerer, his low-ceilinged workshop was stuffed with woodworking tools. He and BJ collected and displayed the work of many Lycoming County artists at their home. He was employed by PG&E for most of his career until retirement. He & BJ were active members of St. Mark’s and St. Luke’s Lutheran churches and were long-time volunteers and drivers for Meals on Wheels. Charlie was an unassuming man who lived an uncommon life. He served many roles in his 98 years. He was an artist and photographer. He was a craftsman who produced spectacular furniture that fills our homes. He was a cultivator and evangelist of garlic; his copy of the book “Garlic is Life” was most frequently out on loan to friends and acquaintances. He was a musician who shared his love of jazz and classical music. He was a handyman who completed many un-glamorous projects around our homes including a small addition, weatherproofing a crawl space, insulating an attic and constructing a tree house. He was a doting grandfather who made countless presents/wood working projects for his girls over the years, including desks, cedar chests, American Girl Doll furniture and a victorian doll house. He was a life-long learner, art collector, traveler, reader, crossword devotee, scrabble and card player, and movie buff. He, with BJ, made certain that his children were educated and taught right from wrong. Charlie & BJ, and in early years with both sons in tow, served as tour guides and traveled extensively by car across the U.S. and Canada, visiting most of the 50 states. Adult education trips with Road Scholar took them from recording historical cemeteries in New England, to the U.K., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Their annotated post-trip slide shows became family legends. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years (2017), his parents; brothers James (2010) and Frances (2001). He is survived by his sister Helen Louise Harbold (Harrisburg), sons Jeffrey W. (Mary Jo, Atlanta) and C Gregory (Joanne M, Charlton Ma.), granddaughters Christine L Paris (Andrew Dirks) and Katherine A. Paris (both of Atlanta), and numerous nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida. His ashes will be interred next to BJ in Montoursville. A celebration of his life will be held in Williamsport, Pa. and in Atlanta, Ga. at dates to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to James V. Brown Library, 19 East 4th Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1400 Market Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, or Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society, 858 West 4th Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.