David Hodge Paris, Jr.
David Hodge Paris, Jr. of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on April 20, 2024, at the age of 74.
Born on Feb. 3, 1950, and known to those who knew him best as “Bunchie,” a childhood nickname, David grew up in Chattanooga and lived most of his adult life as a resident of Bridgeport, Al.
A graduate of McCallie School in Chattanooga (1968), the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (1972) as a Morehead Scholar, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1998), he was a lover of learning and knowledge. His favorite topics of study over the years were farming, educational instruction, and East Asian studies. As such he toured China, Japan, and South Korea extensively, among other places.
At UNC he played rugby, which spawned a lifelong passion for the game. Last year he played in his last match at the UNC alumni game, where, at least 30 years older than anyone else in the game, he was voted unanimously to be the captain and made the first play.
As a jack of all trades and a self-described Renaissance man, eager to learn, he held a variety of careers in his life, including iron worker, restaurateur with his beloved mother Betty, pig farmer, and teacher, his longest venture. He eagerly passed on what he knew to his students (and any other captive audience) until his retirement in 2022 after 24 years of teaching. In his retirement, he was finding joy at a local community garden, growing vegetables and spending time with his beloved dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David Hodge Paris, Sr. and Betty Jo Griffin Paris.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Mitts, his daughters, Jessica (George) Shoemaker, Kate (Gilbert) Kerrigan, and Emily (Austin) Bivens, their mother, Elaine Shelton Paris, six grandchildren, Mamie and Georgia Shoemaker; Cole, Beau and Jules Kerrigan; and Cooper Bivens; his sister, Kim Paris (Gary) Coates, and a host of cherished friends and extended family.
A private service will be held at a later date, where David will be laid to rest in his favorite place, Black Mountain, N.C. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the McKamey Animal Center or the Tennessee Youth Rugby Foundation.
Please share your memories of David with the family at www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.