Thomas M. Paris passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, November 5, 2024, at his home in Statesboro, Georgia under the care of Gentiva Hospice. Born in Xenia, Ohio in 1951, he was 73 years old. He graduated from Xenia High School in 1969 where he played football and was a member of the Xenia Athletic Hall of Fame 1969 WOL champion football team. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Dayton, graduating with honors. In 1980, he met his beloved wife Katherine (Kersey) Johnson. They married in 1983 and together they had a long and loving relationship that spanned 4 decades.

Tom completed a 30 year career with the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S.A.F. in 2018 as Chief of Environmental Compliance for Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He earned many awards and recognitions for himself and his organization over the course of his career. He was highly regarded by his staff and his peers. After retiring, he and Katherine relocated to Statesboro, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob L. Paris and Joyce B. Paris of Xenia and his brother, Rob Paris of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He took great pride in his 2 granddaughters' academic and athletic accomplishments. He was a devoted OSU football "Bucknut", a lifelong fan of the Allman Brothers Band and loved his little dog and trusty sidekick Peanut.  Tom was a 23 year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Tom was a deeply spiritual man with a devout love for his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He was a mentor to many and a friend to everyone. He was greatly loved.

He is survived by his loving wife Katherine, 2 stepsons, Joseph (Ashley) Johnson  of Ellabell, Georgia and John (Melissa) Johnson of Beavercreek in addition to 4 grandchildren, Sarah Hemmerich (Chandler) of Xenia, Seth Johnson of Beavercreek, Rebekah Johnson of Troy, Alabama and Emily Johnson of Ellabell, Georgia.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit Street, Xenia, Ohio. Viewing will be from 10:30-11:30 with service to follow. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, 281 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, Ohio.