Hard to believe a year gone by. Carl one of the greatest men I’ve known and friends with. Cherish the times we had together, will never forget him. Know he got the bikes rolling in heaven!!!!!

I miss my friend. Carl was as close as a brother to me. It's good to read what others have posted here and brings back great memories of times past with our circle of friends. Carl and I both retired from teaching the motorcycle safety class but kept our friendship alive and well. We would talk often on the phone and get together every now and then for a meal with our family. Often at his house. Carl was a great cook!

He was there if and when I needed him and I was there for him.

 Lecia, Dana, Carl, my wife Debbie and I spent a very fun and enjoyable  week at Emerald Isle, N.C. this past October and were planning to make it an annual event.

 It's well known by my friends that I am not much of a hugger. I am more comfortable with a handshake with the guys and high five to the ladies. Carl wasn't having any of that! I knew when I hadn't seen Carl for a while that a hug was inevitable! Oh how I would love to be able to hug him now!

I love you Carl, my buddy, and miss you so much. I know that I will see you again someday. So, this isn't good bye, just, I'll see you later.

I was just thinking the other morning about a particular breakfast several years ago with Carl, myself, our friend Danny, and "The Grit Maker" as we prepared for a day of teaching motorcycle safety.  Apparently, the "Grit Maker" wasn't working that morning as I remember because grits were not available from any of the menu selections.  

Some of my favorite and most cherished times teaching motorcycle  safety was with Carl and our friend Danny.  We knew not to take life too seriously and always remembered what was most important.  I have never known more of a "Gentle Giant" who cared for and nurtured his students more than Carl.  It was truly my honor and privilege for all the years we taught together.  I remember how "large" Carl appeared in his motorcycle jacket and I remember thinking one day, if I could only be as large in character and statue.   Go with God, my friend.  Hope to see you again.   Roger

I am so shocked to read this. Carl was such a sweet man. I remember many rides with him and the motorcycle group. I have wonderful and great memories of him. He influenced many lives for Christ. Carl had a life well lived and is in a better place.. He will be greatly missed.. What an awesome guy.. Hugs and prayers to all of you.  Savor the memories.

This loss pains me deeply.  I cannot put into words the roads traveled, memories made, laughter shared, and friendships made because of this giant of a man.   I cannot fathom how many lives have met Jesus Christ as a result of Carl.  This is not limited to him and Lecia allowing Mount Jewett Assembly of God to begin in their living room, or to the Christ-focused ministries in which Carl was involved.  It is amazing what the Holy Spirit does when placing a call of God on somebody's life.    I am thankful that separations like these are only TEMPORARY for those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.    I really want Lecia, Dana, David and the whole family to understand how much I loved Carl and how much he contributed to my life.  I speak for my parents as well, as my dad was devastated at this news (even though he had not seen Carl is 2 years!).      Carl now knows how much he did for Jesus, as he has received his reward.  To be in his place right now--looking into the eyes of the one who died on the cross for his sins and rose from the grave--must be indescribable.   I will see you again really soon my brother in Jesus!

Jim and Nicki Line
Ruth, Ketha Gail, and Gideon

This pains me so deeply to see this uncle Carl he will be so very missed! Thank you for all of the memories each time I traveled to see family you always welcomed me with a hug and a smile and a sense of comfort and peace surround you every time I came in your presence you will be missed love you always Michelle

I've thought for a couple of days about what to say.  It comes down to this:  Carl was my hero.  A man of God and a man of his word.  The best friend that a guy could have.  I've been gone from Virginia for a few years now and even though Carl and I didn't talk too often anymore, in the back of my mind, I knew he was always there. 

I've replayed every memory that I have since the day I first met Carl.  Every one of them makes me smile.  When I feel sad about losing him, it's not for Carl since I know with complete certainty that he is with God in heaven.  I feel sad for those of us still here on earth because there is a big big hole in the our lives now that can't be filled.

I think that if you knew Carl, you know that he was "larger than life".  It is hard for me to pick out specific memories to share because, as I said, they are all great.  But I think my all time favorite memory is the reason that his motorcycle road name was "Tree".  We were on a ride down to the outer banks of North Carolina and at a restaurant, Steve Diaz (even shorter than me) got up from the table not realizing Carl was standing behind him.  He turned around without looking and basically bounced off of Carl.  I can't recall if Steve hit the floor or not but I can clearly recall him saying "Did I just run into a tree?!".

My second favorite memory is probably  the motorcycle group Christmas party at Walt and Tracy Reichard's house.  The backstory is that Carl had a custom made Santa suit and there was discussion of him playing Santa at the party.  Danny Heath and me (who along with Carl were the three amigos) were standing beside Carl when one of the wives mentioned that Danny and I looked like elves next to him.  So Danny and I ended up dressed as elves at the Christmas party and Carl was, of course, Santa.  I still have that elf costume.

Right up there with those is Carl, Danny and me sitting on his front porch smoking cigars. Nobody needed to say a thing.  That's real friendship. 

 

I am so deeply sorry to learn of Carl's passing.  He was a kind soul, and a good encourager when I first learned to ride a motorcycle.  I will always remember him as a faithful, bold witness for Jesus, and an all-around great guy.
My heartfelt condolences to Leicia and their children.  May the Lord wrap His arms around them tightly and hold them close, comforting all with the promise that Carl has gone ahead to where we, too, will one day join him in glorious reunion with family, friends, and best of all, Jesus.  Sending love & prayers.

Paula and I are deeply saddened by the news of Carl’s passing.  We treasure the memories we have of serving with Carl and Leica. Carl loved the Lord, and served Him faithfully. Carl also loved his family and that was exhibited in his comments every time we spoke. Carl was also a patriot. He loved his country and stood for what is right, true, and good. To all the family, we know that death is not the end for us who believe and trust the Gospel of our Lord. We will be together again one day soon ❤️

So sorry in the passing of Carl, a dear friend of Faye and I. We have so memories of good times and fellowship of riding our bikes and the tripes he took us on.He was such a great family man and a friend to all who knew him!!Our sincere prayers to Lecia and Dana, he will be missed dearly. You are in our prayers!! God bless his family.

We always looked forward to visiting with Carl each year when he was in McKean County. What a wonderful guy!  Will truly be missed by everyone that knows him.
Our hearts ache for Lecia, Dana, Thursie & all his family.
Sending hugs and the love of Jesus Christ to all of you-
Ken & Carolyn

OBITUARY

Carl Tracy Paulson

October 26, 1956 – December 3, 2020

Whitten Timberlake Chapel

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