THOMAS BAXTER PARRIS
08/10/1943 - 02/15/2023
Thomas Baxter Parris passed away peacefully on Wednesday, the 15th of February, in Houston. He was 79 years young. The world will be lacking in mirth and entertainment.
Tom was born in El Paso on August 10th, 1943, to Mary Ross and Porter P. Parris. His parents were the foundation of his character and formed the arc of his life. He was known as “Little Hilton,” having spent his early and formative years growing up in hotels where his father was General Manager. He fondly recalled the highlights of The Plaza in New York
City, the Conrad Hilton in Chicago, and the Shamrock in Houston.
He graduated from The Kinkaid School in 1961 and attended the University of Texas and Northwestern. Tom’s business career started at AstroWorld in hospitality. He moved to Greenwich, CT, in 1971, serving as Senior VP, East Coast Region for Hilton, Inc. for over 20 years. Tom fondly recalled his time on the East Coast being spent with his daughter, Samantha, sailing, playing tennis, and skeet shooting-he at a highly competitive level-at the Greenwich Country Club, and the Camp Fire Club in New York. In addition, he enjoyed a lifelong interest in bird hunting and golfing with dear friends. While in New York, Tom discovered another lifelong passion when he met Billie Sue Skaggs. They were married in Greenwich, CT, in 1987. Tom and Billie Sue moved back to Houston in 1992, where his hotel career brought him. Tom continued his professional and social contact with hotelier colleagues through his membership and participation in the Tavern Club.
Tom was a member of River Oaks Country Club, as well as a constant presence in the River Oaks Breakfast Club. He served on several nonprofit boards and absolutely supported Billie Sue in her continuing involvement in charitable organizations. Through it all, he maintained a love for the arts and a voracious appetite for reading.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Billie Sue, his daughter Samantha Eagle and her husband, Jeremy Eagle; grandchildren, Alexandra Eagle and Jamie Eagle; and his brother Ross Porter Parris. A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, at 2:00 in the afternoon, on Wednesday, the 1st of March.
Tom’s quick wit and his compassion for family and friends will surely be missed; we will grieve the loss of his ready jokes and his bursting into song (without prompting) with “I Love Par(r)is” and, of course, “I Remember You.”
In lieu of flowers, for those desiring to honor his memory and impact, contributions may be made to the Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center-Methodist Hospital, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Gulf Coast Region, or the charity of your choice.