Ronald “Ron” Wayne Paris, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Holland, MI, on May 25, 2026. He was born in Grand Haven, MI, to Donald Paris and Louise Nivison, on September 20, 1940. He grew up in Holland, MI where he met and married Oralia “Lollie” Rios; together they had four children. 

Ron’s career included work as a mechanic, engine builder, truck driver, and owner of a small trucking company. His favorite pastime was drag racing. He and his brother, Maynard “Butch”, built their first drag car “The Homewrecker” in 1961, and participated in the inaugural race at Martin Dragway in 1962. Over the years he built and raced two dragsters, once coming within 1/10th of a second of the national record.

In 1982, Ron married Sherry Locke. They spent a number of years living in Arizona where exploring the backroads in their Jeep was a favorite activity. They eventually settled back in Holland. Together they enjoyed drag racing, outings with their car club in the hot rod Ron built, yardwork, and traveling.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, and first wife, Oralia. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sherry; his half-brother Steven Paris; his children Ron Jr (Diane) Paris, Alan (Barbara) Paris, Renee (David) Kreun, Kelly Paris, and his step-daughter Serena (Steve) Shaw; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, at Rose Park Baptist Church, 600 Butternut Drive, Holland, MI. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 10:00 -10:50 am. The service will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a luncheon.