ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith R. Parris was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1946. His father, a veteran of World War II, made his living in the cotton mills of the South, and his mother, a native of Iowa, traveled to the South while serving as a Civil Servant during the war and remained there with her husband to rear their three children. Mr. Parris graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1969 with Highest Honors and was a Distinguished Military Graduate in Air Force ROTC. He was awarded a Regular Commission and served nearly 8 years as a fighter pilot, flying F-4E Phantom II aircraft, in Europe, Asia and the United States. As an Air Force captain, he earned numerous commendations, including a Meritorious Service Medal and Top Gun Aircraft Commander, Seventeenth Air Force, United States Air Forces in Europe. He married Janet K. Baugh, of Waco, Texas, in 1974 while serving in the Federal Republic of Germany. They lived in Europe and Asia before moving to San Antonio, Texas, in 1977 after Captain Parris resigned his commission and was honorably discharged from the Air Force.

After leaving the Air Force, he returned to school and graduated at the top of his class from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1979 with an MBA Degree. He earned his CPA certificate in 1984 and was honored as one of the Top Ten recipients to be certified in the State of Texas. He worked for 21 years in the Gas and Gas Liquids Industry where he served as Director of both financial and operational areas at Valero Energy Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation's Texas subsidiaries.

In 1998 he fell seriously ill and underwent two surgeries to remove and correct symptoms associated with a tumor located in the pineal region of the brain. His successful recovery from this challenge had a profound impact on his life. He retired from industry in December 2001 and began devoting himself to his lifelong passion of writing. His first book, TORI And Other Poems And Short Stories, was published in 2002. This book, The Servants Of Freedom, is the culmination of more than 3 years of creative endeavor and reflects his admiration and appreciation for the sacrifices of the men and women of our Armed Forces. In this novel of 1970s Europe, he uses simple, yet powerful language to make timeless themes of adversity and courage live in the minds of his readers. His writing style reflects his admiration for the literary works of such outstanding 19th- and 20th-century novelists and poets as Ernest Hemingway, Eudora Welty, William Faulkner, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson and William Wordsworth.

Keith R. Parris is available, as his schedule permits, for public appearances (including book signings), speaking engagements, luncheons, golf outings and charitable events that offer an opportunity to showcase his book and benefit distinguished organizations. Please contact him via e-mail or at the address provided to discuss details.