December 26, 1942 - July 5, 2020
Paul (My Luv) passed peacefully, on Sunday July 5, 2020 at the age of 77 years old.
Paul is proceeded by his granddaughter Ashley Gongora, Brother Carlos and Sister Juanita Juarez.
Paul is survived by his wife Patsy Juarez of 47 years and counting. His loving children Jessica Gongora and her husband Cecil Sr., Paul Juarez Jr. and his wife Jessie, and Veronica Contreras and her husband Felipe Jr. His grandchildren Cecil Jr. and his wife Shannon, Branden and his wife Kassidy, Paul III, Greg, Christopher, Felipe III, and Felicia. His beautiful great grandchildren Joseph, Mariah, Amra, Ava, Kayden, Adria, and Jessejames. Paul’s siblings Mary Avila, Irene Jimenez, and Adela Avila.
Paul was born in Fresno, Ca on December 26, 1942 at 02:55 pm at General Hospital of Fresno. Paul was raised by his grandparents Paul and Otila Medina. As a young boy he helped his grandparents pick grapes and peaches.
Paul graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1961. He was on the boxing team throughout his high school years. He was also in the band, where he played the trumpet. In 1960 Paul participated in the opening ceremonies at the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley.
Soon after high school Paul learned to weld under Indy Car Racer Fred Gerhardt at Commercial Body Sales & Manufacturing in 1961 - 1971. Paul then worked for Jayne’s & Company manufacturing commercial bodies in 1971 until 1992. He spent several years working for Great Dane repairing trailers. Paul worked for Mike and Gary (NHRA Race Car Driver) at Scelzi Enterprise until he retired at the age of 65 in 2008.
Paul was a devoted husband, grandfather, father, and brother. He enjoyed dancing, singing, traveling, camping, and golfing. He also loved to be with or visit family every weekend or any chance he had. Everyone knew they were always welcome to visit him at home. He always made you feel part of the family. His heart had no boundary. You’d better show up hungry, because he always had a meal for you to eat and drink.
Things you might not know about Paul:
• As a young boy he was afraid of “Frankenstein”, after seeing the movie one night at the theaters, he ran so fast home to hide because the movie scared him.
• Baloney was his favorite “steak sandwich”
• He permed his hair as a young man
• He and his “Luv” got to meet Elvis Presley
• Paul and Adela once had a funeral for a bee, while they were picking grapes
• Mary hit Paul with a grape pan at that same bee’s funeral
• As kids Irene used to hold down Paul’s bullies, so he could get away
• Favorite Movies – Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein
• He once burned the Turkey dinner at 500 degrees and blamed Ronni
• He walks and talks in his sleep