Melvin Evert Paul, age 86, of Westville, Florida was called home to be with his Lord Wednesday, August 18, 2021.
He was born March 22, 1935 in Holmes County, Florida to the late John and Beddie Arrant Paul. He attended Ponce de Leon High School and later served four years of active duty and four years of inactive duty in the United States Navy, with the first four years aboard the U.S.S. Helena.
After his service to his country, Melvin returned home, married Carlene Gillman and resided on Paul’s Homestead Ranch until the time of his death. He was an active member and deacon of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church located in Holmes County. He enjoyed working on the ranch, spending time with his family, raising beef cattle, and raising and training horses for his family’s pleasure riding. Melvin was a true cowboy at heart! His favorite movies were westerns and he always looked forward to the Bonifay Rodeo. He, along with his family, would camp in Bonifay during rodeo time and absorb the western atmosphere. They rode in the street parades as well as in the Grand Entry each night.
Melvin had worked several jobs throughout his career, including Henry Cober’s Poultry Plant, Hygiea Coca-Cola Bottling Company, both in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. His last job was with the Holmes County Road Department with the position of road foreman.
He is preceded in death by his two precious sons, Michael Evert and John Glenn Paul, three brothers and three sisters.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carlene Gillman Paul; one daughter, Alda Martin; one daughter-in-law, Carolyn Paul; two granddaughters, Alena Willingham and husband Jason and Anna Paul; one special great-grandson, Casen Willingham; two sisters, Earlene Iacullo and Christin Swinney and husband Tom; and a host of family; wonderful friends; and his church family.
A time of visitation will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 4, 2021 starting at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Westville, Florida (Leonia Community). Committal services will follow in the church cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.daviswatkins.com.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.
