Robert E. ( Bob) Parris, 92 of Griffin, Ga., passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at his residence.

Born on Jan. 22, 1917, in Gaffney to the late Robert Edward Parris and the late Eliza Parris, he was one of 13 children. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II and the Korean War obtaining the rank of MSGT. Mr. Parris was retired from Dundee Mills.

After his retirement, he became one of Walmart’s first greeters. To all that entered he said “Welcome to Walmart, Shopping Cart?” Because of his loving spirit and warm smile, he was affectionally known as “Mr. Bob.”

Mr. Parris was a member of the First Baptist Church of Griffin, where he was a member of the Bramblett Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Bonner McAbee Parris; daughters and sons-in-law, Camilla and the Rev. Warren Huddleston, Rhonda and Grady Pierce, and Kristin and Tommy Jones; 13 grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; a brother, Hoke Parris of Gaffney; several sisters in-law; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mr. Parris will be held Monday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. at Griffin First Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Bill Hardee and the Rev. Warren Huddleston. Friends may visit the family in the church parlor from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lewis Huddleston, Hank Huddleston, Earl Huddleston, John Huddleston, Robert Parris Huddleston, Rick Purmort, Bryson Pierce, Grayson Jones and Max Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Griffin First Baptist Church, “The Dream,” P.O. Box 908, Griffin, Ga. 30224.

The family is at the residence, 1119 Sage Dr., Griffin.

Arrangements by Conner-Westbury Funeral Home 1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, is in charge of arrangements.

(Courtesy of Blakely Funeral Home.)