He was born in Chattanooga, TN to the late Fred and Mary Lou Boyd Paul. He grew up in the East Lake Community and attended Chattanooga Central High School. He was a longtime resident of the North Georgia area and served our country as a proud member of the National Guard. Don met the love of his life, Sandra, who died in 2005, when she was 14 and he was 19. When Sandra turned 17, Don being 22, they married and remained married for 43 wonderful and blessed years. Don and Sandra owned Weddings by Sandra for over 20 years.
Don retired from the Chattanooga Fire Department, Station #11 (Missionary Ridge) as a Lieutenant, having served the community for 25 years. While with the Fire Department, he served as an Engine Driver and he knew his coverage area extremely well regarding where all fire hydrants were, something he was extremely proud of. Don was a member of Harmony Baptist Church and later attended Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sandra Paul and brothers, Garry and Byrl Paul.
Survivors include his loving children, Karen Ann (Booker) Watkins, East Ridge and Eric (Christy) Paul, Ringgold, GA; grandchildren, Travis (Hyapatia) Payne, Hillary (Chris) Overby, Dixie (Austin Million) Paul and Shelby Paul; great-grandchildren, Mylee and Haven Payne, Heidi, Harper, Kaydee, Owen, Georgia Kate and Cody; niece, Amanda Paul and nephew, Byrl Paul.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 2 PM Monday, June 19, 2023, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Billy Denham and Rev. Randy Bell officiating. Interment will follow in Rock Spring Cemetery, Rock Spring, GA.
Please visit www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com to share your thoughts and memories of Don.
The family will receive friends from 12 Noon to 2 PM Monday, June 19, 2023 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.
