Paul C Wing

When he came from a small village outside Guangdong, China to live with his Uncle Frank (Chu) in Joiner, Arkansas, Paul came alone, on a ship that picked up some survivors of Pearl Harbor. He came under someone else’s name, the paper son of another family. He went to Shawnee High School in Joiner, not knowing any English. The school put 5’2” Paul on the football team, though he knew nothing about the game. The caring group immersed him in the new language and the new culture. It is here his courage and intelligence are seen.

Through mutual friends, Paul met Lilly Lum in Arkansas at socials that the Chinese community organized to let the young people to meet. Paul and Lilly were married for 68 years. Uncle Frank gave Dad $2000 to either start his own business or go to college. He chose to open a neighborhood grocery store in Houston’s fifth ward. Wing’s Food Market stayed in business for 16 years. He and Mom also owned 3 rent houses and the building across the street, a pharmacy and a washeteria. Paul became a naturalized citizen in 1965. He was a smart entrepreneur and businessman.

Paul is father to 4 children—Dorothy Ann Chew, husband Calvin; Betty Ann Lou; Pansy Wing Gee, husband Don; and Donald Kim Chiu, wife JoAnn. Dorothy remembers how he never raised his voice, even when in trouble. The children knew when they were in trouble. Pansy and Betty spent an evening in the corner for disturbing Dorothy. Donald recalls Dad being the nurses’ “favorite patient”, even when he couldn’t talk. They were impressed by the way he never complained and was always grateful for the care given. Betty brings to mind his sense of humor. His practical jokes are stories that are told to his grandchildren. Paul made sure that his children had rides to church on Sunday. As adults, he always walked family visitors out to their cars, stood in the driveway until they well down the street. If the weather was bad, he would call to make sure they had made it home. If he didn’t hear from the kids for a few days, he would call to see how we were. As a father-in-law, Don said he was “the best a son-in-law could ask”, supportive but not judgmental. He was a wise, caring father.

His 10 grandchildren-Harding Yep; Phillip Chew, wife Uyen; Christi Shih, husband Lysander; Dana Canonico, fiancé- Fred Stewart; Marcie Lou; Kimberly and Christopher Gee, wife Katie; Kristen and; Tiffany and Michael Chiu, wife Emily remember going fishing; traveling; his love of a bargain; how to eat rolls with butter and sprinkled with sugar; hiding candy in his desk that Mom wouldn’t let him eat; giving them anything they looked at if he thought they wanted it. His 8 great-grandchildren—Jordan Yep; Hayden Yep; Emilia and Harrison Chew; Riley Canonico and Jori Stewart; Kameron Chiu; Logan Chiu and another on the way don’t have the memories, so their parents and grandparents will make sure they share Gong’s--Yeh-yeh’s--Popoo’s--Ti-gong’s stories of being fun, proud and gentle.

In the last years of his life Dad had two special caregivers, Vicky Torres and Nelson Calvillio. Their care and companionship helped make his last days comfortable. Even though it was difficult for Dad to respond, he still made an impression on them, too. Vicky says that Dad was sweet and gentle. Trying his best to greet her in the morning and to cooperate in the care she gave showed her that he was considerate. Nelson said, “Dad’s lifelong work and devotion to his wife and children established a lasting legacy that spoke volumes on his behalf when he was unable to speak for himself.” He was a man of grace.

Paul loved to watch people, the stock market and westerns; read the funnies; go fishing; eat and be with family.

Though each person who knew Paul Wing may have different stories and different words that describe him, the one thing that rings consistent throughout these remembrances is his devotion and love for his family. He taught and lived family first. Paul treated his wife, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, co-workers, friends, doctors, nurses, and caregivers with a unique gentle respect that was his alone.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Red Cross; Paul’s favorite charity.