Paul graduated from Chesapeake High School, Class of 1959. Following graduation, he married Suzanne J Simmen Dec 21, 1962. He began his professional career in 1965 at Huntington Alloys and retired in 2003. In 1966, Paul was the oldest man in Lawrence County, OH to be drafted for the Vietnam War. He served in the army and was stationed at Ft Story, Va. During his active duty, Paul became an Amphibian Engineer Operator and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Marksman Badge (M-14 Rifle), and the Good Conduct Medal. He finished his active duty in 1968 and continued to serve in the Reserves until 1972.
Paul was a member of the Tr-State Street Rods and loved to collect old cars. He also helped many people in his old neighborhood of Highlawn. He received the 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Award for Exceptional Leadership in Voluntary Services from the Neighborhood Institute of Huntington, Inc.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is predeceased by two sisters, Judy Floyd and Raymonda Elkins. Surviving is his daughter Paula Whitmore (Matt), son, Paul Gillette Jr. (Lea); one sister, Karon Turley, one sister-in-law, Ginny Dixon; six grandchildren, Alex (Alana), Madeline, Elizabeth, Alek, Trey, and Russell; one very special great-granddaughter, Lydia; many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 at Trinity Church of God, 2688 3rd Ave. Huntington, W.Va. Condolences for the family can be made at www.burchamtobias.com.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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