Distinguished Military Career of Colonel Howard S. Paris (Ret) Comes to a Close

Colonel Howard S. Paris (Ret) passed away at the age of 89 on August 28, 2026, at Waltonwood Senior Living in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Paris was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Howard Paris Sr. and Grace Paris on December 2, 1936. He grew up in Unadilla, New York, where he developed a love for storytelling about his small-town upbringing.

After graduating from high school, Paris attended Broom Community College, earning an electronics degree and later joining IBM as an electronics technician in Binghamton, New York. However, he soon transitioned to the US Army National Guard and then to active duty, serving a distinguished 35-year career as an Army Infantry Officer.

During his military service, Paris was deployed twice to Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division. He also led a team into Jonestown, Guyana, in response to the murder of a US Congressman and reports of mass suicide. Upon retiring at the rank of Colonel, he received numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and seven Bronze Stars.

After his military career, Paris pursued education, becoming a Dean in the North Carolina Community College system and earning a Doctorate in Education from North Carolina State University. He was known for his passion for storytelling, community service, and volunteer work with disabled veterans and the Catholic Church.