Paul J. Casey, 95, of Old Hickory, TN, died June 2, 2022, of natural causes. He was surrounded by his loving family, his wife of more than 70 years, Frances Flora Casey, his two daughters, Paula F. Casey (Richard L. Worden, deceased) of Memphis and Ethel Casey Harlow (Walter) of Norfolk, VA, and his two grandchildren, Jacob B. Harlow of Norfolk, VA, and Kathryn Tyler Harlow of Denver, CO.
Mr. Casey served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II and in the Marines during the Korean War. He was born in Stonewall, NC, on April 30, 1927, to Ethel Daniels Casey and Harley Casey, who predeceased him along with several siblings.
He graduated from East Carolina University where he met his future wife. He had a successful career in sales. While working for Florists Transworld Delivery (FTD), he was summoned to Memphis to help coordinate the flowers at Graceland in August 1977 for Elvis Presley's funeral. He worked closely with Joe Esposito, Elvis's friend and road manager, to handle the huge influx of flowers which were handed out to attendees. It was later cited as the largest private funeral in the United States outside of a head of state. Mr. Casey recalled when rumors surfaced about various Elvis sightings that he stood by the casket and could definitively state that Elvis was dead.
He was an avid follower of University of Tennessee sports, especially Lady Vols basketball and softball. He set a great example for his children and grandchildren by being a voracious reader of newspapers and books.
A celebration of life service will be held at Hermitage Funeral Home, 535 Shute Lane, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 1:00. Gathering of Family and Friends one hour following service.
