Kelly Jay Paris

Retired Major League Baseball Player, Kelly Jay Paris hit his final home run, rounded third base and slid safely home Monday, May 27, 2019 with his beloved family by his side. There to greet him crossing home plate his final time was his mom, Joelene Jenson Paris; undoubtedly surprised he did not get to reach the bottom of the ninth inning of life.

Born in Encino, CA and raised in Woodland Hills, CA, Kelly graduated from Taft High School and was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Cardinals. Kelly played third baseman and shortstop with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox. In 1982, he proudly accompanied the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series, where they won the championship game. After his retirement, Kelly spent the rest of his life instilling his passion of baseball into others through teaching and coaching.

The proud son of Jay Paris of CA, loving husband of Karen Raye Paris of Fort Mill, SC; best friend and father to Jordan Paris of Belmont, NC; brother of Bret Paris of CA; grandfather to the light of his world, Ava Paris; "adopted" father to Hudson Mankin, Madelyn Mankin, Jack Marder, Danny Worth, and Brison Cronendold; and dear friend to many; Kelly will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kelly's final home run where he played at Sims Legion Park (1201 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28054) at 6:30 PM, Monday, June 3, 2019. The family requests that all guests dress casually and comfortably, welcoming team jerseys.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Palmetto Funeral Home at 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708 or memorial donations may be made in his memory to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731.

The family would like to sincerely thank the entire staff of Hospice and Community Care and the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House for their unwavering compassionate, loving and supportive care they provided.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.palmettofh.com.

Palmetto Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fort Mill (803.802.7788) is assisting the family.

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