Paul Joseph Orillion Jr.

Paul Joseph Orillion Jr., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the age of 99. He enjoyed a life well lived and we loved listening to his many life stories. He leaves behind a big, loving family who adored him beyond words. He was the beloved husband of the late Martha (Lois) Bentley Orillion. He was the son of the late Paul Orillion Sr. and late May Jones Orillion. He was the loving father to seven children … May Scanlan (and husband, the late Tommy Scanlan); Peggy Reeson (and husband, the late Morris Reeson); Paul Orillion III (and wife, Tina); Debbie Gonzales (and husband, the late Angelo Gonzales); Michael Orillion; Robin Wagner (and husband, the late Terry Wagner); and Lisa Doss; grandfather to twenty-two grandchildren Tommy, Gina, Kristen, Morris, Devin, Jeff, Scott, Freddie, Melissa, Jason, Jaime, the late Joshua, Austin, Michael, Bryan, Troy, the late Shaye, Lacey, Cody, Erica, Rachelle and Brandon; great-grandfather to thirty-nine of which one is deceased and great-great-grandfather to four. He is the brother of Joan Michael (and husband, Gary) and the late George Orillion.

Paul was born in Melville, Louisiana in 1925. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Service at the age of 17. He served from 06/15/43 to 03/01/46. He fought in World War II as a gunner onboard the USS Santa Fe and enjoyed boxing on the ship’s fantail when it was at port. When he was discharged, he finished high school at Fortier and enrolled at LSU with the dreams of playing football. Unfortunately during training, he broke his collar bone.

He met and married the love of his life Martha (Lois) Bentley. They moved to St Bernard Parish where he resided until his death.

He was recruited to play football by the U.S. Marine Corps and enlisted. He served from 11/09/50 to 01/26/52. His dreams of playing football never came true when the Korean War broke out and he was shipped out to fight in the war.

After being discharged, he was hired by Bay Petroleum/Tenneco/Mobil Oil Refinery and retired with over 30 years of service. He was an active member at St Mary’s Episcopal Church until it closed after Hurricane Katrina.

Paul loved his family very much. He was married to Lois for 63 years. Together they built a family, home, and a lifetime of memories. He and his wife enjoyed going camping with family and friends and also enjoyed going to Tennessee each year to see the leaves turn. During his spare time, he enjoyed all sports, especially going to and watching football games. He also loved going to the race track, off track betting and casino’s. Music was always a part of his soul, whether it was just listening, singing or even humming along. Paul leaves behind a big, loving family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff of the VA Home Based Primary Care Hospital in Home Team (especially his nurse Courtney) and also Passage’s Hospice Care. We would also like to thank his kind sitters Jai, Aisha, Tiera and Anna who cared for him with patience, humor and compassion in his final years. You all treated him like your own and we are forever grateful.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue Street, Chalmette, LA 70043. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Paul will be laid to eternal rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.