Deacon James Robert Paul, Sr.

To view the service via Youtube use the link below: https://www.youtube.com/live/uDBFthiCc1E?si=wzi6NJLuFxEzwC4U To view the service via Facebook use the link below: https://www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE/ REFLECTIONS OF A LIFE WELL-LIVED: James Robert Paul Sr., was born in Brewton, Alabama to Robert and Effie Chapman Paul on May 15, 1932. James was the second of 10 children. His father was a chipper, so they moved every two years to a different town. They lived in many small towns that provided work for the family. James attended school in Colquitt, Georgia. The family moved to Quincy, Florida in early 1940 where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Shaw, while working in the tobacco fields. They courted for a short while and James asked for Dorothy’s hand in marriage. They exchanged vows on September 11, 1948. James and Dorothy moved to Narcoossee, FL in 1952, with three children in tow. They settled in Narcoossee and had six more children. They continued to reside in Narcoossee until James’s death. WORK HISTORY: James was a hard worker and took pride in providing for his family. James first job in Narcoossee was working in the celery fields. He later worked as a laborer and truck driver for Hale’s Feed Mill in Kissimmee, FL for 17 years. After leaving the mill, he started driving trucks for different companies. He loved driving 18 wheeler trucks, both local and long distance. Driving was his passion and prompted him to obtain his CDL license. His next and last employment was with Bell Rental and Sales in Orlando, FL. He operated and delivered heavy equipment. At the age of 63, James decided to start his own business as Paul’s Hauling Services. He was very successful in hauling items as well as using heavy equipment to do various jobs. He was an honest and very reputable businessman. LIFE FACTS:  On September 11, 2023, James and Dorothy celebrated 75 years of marriage of loving each other, a beautiful Love story!  James adored his children and four generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren totaling “69” to date. He was a nurturer and very caring father and grandfather, with a great big heart. He always put his family first and ensured they were well-cared for and reveled in all of their successes. He was generous and kind to all and was quick to invite anyone to visit and join him in breaking bread.  James joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (SLMBC) of Narcoossee in 1952. James was the oldest ordained Deacon at SLMBC, with over 50 years of service. He was an avid church member that enjoyed praying and singing in the church. During his younger years, he and his brothers sang Gospel throughout Central Florda. They were called “The Paul Boys.” One of his favorite phrases was “I’ve had some good days and I’ve had some bad days, but I want complain!”  He took pride in maintaining the church grounds, as well as others in the community. His tractor and Bobcat were deemed as “his other wives!”  James only completed school through the primary grades, but understood the importance of education and always encouraged others to seek higher levels of education. He and his brothers attended night school to obtain their GED.  James and Dorothy are the oldest African American residents in the Whitted Historic Community in Narcoossee and was loved by the entire community. James was also the patriarch of the Paul Family. He was a great, fun-loving man who enjoyed life! JAMES AND DOROTHY SAID THEY RAISED THEIR CHILDREN THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY: 1. Keep God first in your life 2. Family Love 3. Get an Education 4. Treat people with Respect and Dignity PRECEDED IN DEATH: His Loving Parents: Robert and Effie Paul; Sisters: Mary Elaine Henderson, Lula Mae Paul, Leola Charles, and Bernice Elam; Brothers: Zeary Paul, Arlee Paul; Children: Melvin Paul, Brenda Ann Paul, Curtis Lamar Paul; Grandchild: Rashan “Hassaun” Ortiz. HE LEAVES TO CHERISH HIS MEMORIES: His loving and devoted wife: Dorothy Mae Paul of 75 years; His caring and Loving Children: James Robert Paul Jr. (Valerie); William Paul; Annie Pinellas (Louis); Walter Paul; Jeannette P. Rivers (July); Evelyn Paul; Mary Berrian (John); Special Niece/Daughter: Annie Mae Jones (Willie); Brothers: George Richard Paul (Della); Isiah Paul, and Melvin Paul. A host of grands, great- grands, and great- great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the community

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Deacon James Robert Paul, Sr.

May 15, 1932 - February 19, 2024