Michael Lynn Paris

Michael L. Paris, 79, died peacefully in his home on August 3, 2026. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Kathy Bose Paris, and his two daughters Olivia Ballard (Brent) of Cincinnati and Brooke (Sloan) Cashion of Alaska. Also mourning his loss are three beloved grandchildren: Maya Ballard, Lukas Cashion, and Mollie Cashion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Virginia Paris, and his sister Christie Reichel of Oklahoma.

Mike was a proud Massillon Tiger, Class of 1965. He earned a Bachelor Degree from Malone University and an MBA from the University of Akron. His love of reading, especially history and biographies, allowed him to continue learning. He was a familiar face at libraries!

Before his move to Sebring, Ohio, Mike had always lived in Stark County. He retired as the CEO of the Better Business Bureau. He also was an adjunct professor of accounting for 27 years at the University of Akron. Mike was a dedicated community volunteer. Some of the many organizations in which he provided leadership were: Canton Jaycees; Canton Rotary; Salvation Army Board; Friends of the Library Board; Stark County Board of Mental Retardation. He was a Lector at the Basilica of St. John Catholic Church. Close to his heart were the years spent as the founding district director of Project Healing Waters where military veterans found peace and healing while learning the art of fly fishing.

Mike led a good life. He will be remembered as an honest, kind, hard-working husband, father, friend and volunteer. He loved his family, his community and church, his many friends, fly fishing and a good joke.

Calling hours will be from 9:00 to 10:30 AM on September 5th at the Brown Funeral Home in Sebring, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Ann Church in Sebring. Memorials may be sent to Project Healing Waters.Inc. ; The Copeland Oaks Foundation; or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.