April 27, 1927 - March 22, 2018
Passed away peacefully with his wife Billie, sons and grandsons at his side. He is survived by Billie, his sons, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Born in Edmond, WV he attended Woodrow Wilson High School.. He served as President of the Student Council, Co-captain of his high school football team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. During WWII he served in the Coast Guard then the National Guard. He was honorably discharged a first lieutenant. He worked in construction as a plasterer from 1948 – 1962 and owned an ornamental casting studio from 1954-1960.
Paul joined the JBPD in 1962 and was promoted through the ranks by competitive Civil Service exam to Chief of Police in 1971. During his many years of service he had many accomplishments including election by fellow officers as the 1968 “Officer of the Year,” and the 1979 “Boss of the Year Award” from the Women’s Business Club.
Paul was a founding member, past president, and life member of FOP Northeaster Lodge 17 The FOP firearms range is named after him in recognition for all of his hard work and time he spent to make it possible. He was Fla Peace Officers Association Past District Director and life member of the International Chiefs of Police.
He served on numerous committees, was a graduate of the FBI Academy and earned his Master of Science degree in Criminology. JBPD was designated the most efficient dept. in the state several consecutive years under his leadership.
Along with the late Reverend John Hibbard and Wimpy Sutton he was a founder of the First Christian Church of the Beaches.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Billie, his sons Dan (Cristi) and Bruce (Tracy), stepsons Mark and Larry, niece Rosetta Venable, brother-in-law (UNK) Bob Bullock (Christy), Sugar Baby, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His legacy of service continues with his children’s and grandchildren’s service in law enforcement, the Army, Navy and Marines.
Paul remained caring, thoughtful and funny until the end.
A celebration of life service will be on April 14, 2018 at 11:00 am at First Christian Church of the Beaches 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in Paul’s memory to Community Hospice https://www.communityhospice.com/foundation/memorial-giving/
