Paul was 89 at the time of his passing. He graduated from Central High School in 1948 and went to work at DuPont shortly thereafter, where he worked for 38 years, retiring in 1985 as an electrical supervisor. He and his first wife, Frances Forester met in 1950 and dated until June 1951 at which time they were married. They were blessed to celebrate 54 years of marriage until her passing in 2005. He was drafted into the Army shortly after their marriage and left for Korea in December 1951. He arrived in Korea the first week of January 1952 where he was stationed until April 1953
Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Forester Finnell, mother, Nancy Belle Bankston Finnell and his father, Britton Finnell, sister, Dorothy Wells. He later married Gail Lancaster.
Paul was a member of Stuart Heights Baptist Church where he served faithfully in the senior adult ministry.
He is survived by his wife, Gail, his daughter, Paula Lambert (Greg), grandson, Cy A. Lambert (Lauren) and great grandson, Dylan James Lambert. He is also survived by Gail’s children, George (Karen), Scott (Julia) Lancaster and grandchildren, Ashley, Andrew, Preston (Abby), Bailey.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 7 from 11 am to 3 pm at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel.
A Celebration of Life service for Paul will follow at 3 pm on Sunday at the North Chapel with Pastor Gary Jared, Reverend Darrell Davenport and Reverend Brian K. Smith officiating.
The family will also receive friends from 12 to 1 pm on Monday, July 8, at the North Chapel.
Graveside services will be at 2 pm on Monday, at National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Adult Ministry at Stuart Heights Baptist Church, 1505 Cloverdale, Hixson, TN 37343.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
