Paul Christian Sasser Sr.

Paul was born on April 7, 1940, in Sylacauga, Alabama. He grew up as a hardworking country boy and graduated from B.B. Comer High School, where he played baritone and sousaphone in the band. He continued to play the sousaphone the next year at Jacksonville State, but later returned to Sylacauga, where he would begin his career with Sears, Roebuck & Co. Not long after, he became interested in his preacher’s daughter, Sharron McElroy. As fate would have it, she wasn’t quite interested yet. But as Paul was always mission-oriented, he invited her to call him whenever she was ready to go out — and she did! They were married in 1963, and later that year, found out a little one would soon be joining them.

In 1965, the Sears store in Montgomery invited Paul to transfer there and replace a long-time supervisor. He accepted, and as he did everywhere, Paul was quick to make friends and demonstrate his can-do attitude. But throughout it all, God pursued him and led him to find a little church while looking for a gun store! Imagine that. While attending the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and through some hard-hitting preaching on sin, God drew Paul to Himself, and his life changed forever. His wife had already tamed a tiger, but only God could change Paul’s heart. In 1979, Paul joined Farm Bureau (known today as ALFA) as an insurance agent where he frequently won awards for his achievements in sales. More importantly, he won the trust of his policyholders; always being willing to help no matter the size of the policy. He would later go on to retire in 2005.

Being a husband and father came first and he was always there for Sharron and his son, Chris. In the early 1970s, he picked up his horns again and joined the church orchestra with his son. Later, in 1987, the Sasser family would join Frazer Church and Paul would go on to play in that orchestra until just a few weeks ago. He was an avid outdoorsman and in the later years, he devoted himself to planting hundreds of fruit trees and bushes. He was a faithful church and orchestra member, but more importantly, he modeled a godly husband and father for his son and grandchildren. God brought him through several health crises over the years and he was thankful for every day. He knew and testified to us that God had led to his every success. He was generous to his family in many ways. Above all, Paul anchored his life and eternal destiny on God’s promises. Those promises are now a reality for Paul. So we may grieve, but not as those who have no hope.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Tierce Christian and Mildred Sasser, brother and sister-in-law Gene and Mary Sasser, and two nephews. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Sharron McElroy Sasser, and his son Paul Christian Sasser, Jr. (Krystal). Grandchildren, Michael Christian Sasser (Alina), Noah Daniel Sasser, Annaleise Elizabeth Sasser, and Rebekah Joy Sasser, and great-granddaughter (not yet born) Eleanor Brooke Sasser; Sisters Martha Edwards (Bobby), and Janice L. Rousseau (Steve), sisters-in-law, Margie Phillips, Debbie Markwell, (D.G.) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers for Paul's services are Michael Sasser, Noah Sasser, Weston Markwell, DG Markwell, Steve Rousseau, Norman Medders and Steve Ragsdale.

A visitation will be held at Frazer Church from 12-1:45 with a Celebration of Life service following at 2 in the Worship Center. Burial to follow at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery