Billy Carroll Paul, Sr.

Billy Carroll Paul, Sr. age 83 passed away with his family at his side on Monday, December 19, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. Billy was an all around athlete at Sulligent High School participating on the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He spent is first year of college at East Mississippi Junior College playing on the football team. He then attended Mississippi State University as a scholarship member of the baseball team. After graduation he entered the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant and served a tour in Korea. Following military service, he was employed by Frigidaire and General Electric companies in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1970 he returned to his native Sulligent to work as Personnel Manager for Hyster Company. Billy was an avid golfer and, after retirement, continued his lifelong interest in all sports, particularly following all of the MSU athletic teams. Billy was inducted into the Lamar County Sports Hall of Fame in August 1992. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sulligent and served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on various committees. He served as a member and President of the Sulligent Chamber of Commerce, President of Sulligent United Drive, and a Board Member of the First National Bank. Billy was preceded in death by his father and mother, Judge Victor C. Paul and Pauline Gilmer Paul. He is survived by his wife, Martha Pennell Paul of Sulligent, AL, a sister Joan Paul of Knoxville, TN, a son Billy C (Wanda) Paul Jr. of Wren, MS, a daughter Jill (Billy) Maddox of Sulligent, AL, four grandchildren, Billy C. Paul, III (Trey) and Victoria Paul both of Knoxville, TN, Justin Maddox of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Courtney Maddox of Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends at Norwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM and the funeral will be held at the Sulligent First Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 1 PM with burial in the Sulligent City Cemetery. Bro. Byron Pickering and Jeff Chaffin officiating. Norwood Funeral Homes, Inc. of Sulligent, Alabama directing.