06/13/2025
Mr. Kortez Daniel Vaughn, Sr., affectionately known as “KP the Young Don,” of Wi******er, Tennessee transitioned from this life at the young age of 34 on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga.
Kortez was born on March 21, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Karl Edward Parson, Sr. and his loving mother Coretta Vaughn Smith, of Memphis.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandfather, Grover Bush Vaughn aka Chico and his paternal grandmother, Julia Richardson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ariel McGee Vaughn, and their beloved children, Kortez Daniel Vaughn, Jr. and Karmella Tálei Vaughn, who were his pride and joy.
Kortez also leaves behind a cherished circle of family, including his siblings, Karl Edward Parson, Jr., KeAira Owens, Matthew Parson, and Martin Parson; his grandmother, Flora Vaughn; his mother-in-law, Elder Sernobia McGee; his sister-in-law, Alexandria McGee; his stepfather, Darrell Smith; his stepmother, Missy Parson; special aunts, Tiffany Wright and Keva Baugh, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Kortez had a circle of close, loyal friends who were like brothers to him, including Rashad Vance, Octavius Wooten, Shawn Cathey, Brandon Martin, Rino, Kelvin Turner, and Rodney White.
He attended Tullahoma High School and was a man of faith, attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tullahoma. Kortez enjoyed watching football and spending time with his family. He was a man of many talents—a true jack of all trades. He served as a supervisor at Real Wood Products for over five years, operated his own lawncare business, and had a remarkable ability to succeed at anything he set his mind to.
Music was his passion—he loved making music and rapping. A fashion-forward spirit, Kortez enjoyed dressing sharp, smelling good, and always wearing his jewelry.
Kortez was known for his heart of gold and his ability to make anyone feel like family. He never met a stranger—his warm, infectious personality and natural sense of humor lit up every room he entered. Whether he was cracking a joke or offering a kind word, Kortez had a way of lifting others up and leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. To know Kortez was to love him, and his impact on those around him will live on forever. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Visitation, Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (301 S. Washington St., Tullahoma, TN 37388) with a Celebration of Life service following at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Ramon Wyatt, officiating and Elder Sernobia McGee, eulogist.
Please keep the family of Mr. Kortez Vaughn in your thoughts and prayers.