Eric Duane Paul

Eric grew up in the Lake Como Community of Fort Worth, TX where he united with Strangers Rest Baptist Church at an early age. At Strangers Rest, Eric served as a Junior Deacon, sang in the choir, and played on the church basketball and softball teams.

Eric attended Fort Worth Public Schools and was a 1985 graduate of Abilene High School. In his junior year of high school, Eric enlisted in the United States Army on April 8, 1984 via the Delayed Entry Program. Upon graduation in May of 1985, Eric left home at the age of 17 for basic training. As an enlistee, Eric served active duty for nine years. He served two tours in Korea, was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY and Fort McNair in Washington, DC where he worked at the Pentagon. In 1994, Eric returned home to Fort Worth and served another seven years as an Army Reservist. He also worked for Albertson’s Warehouse, Mercedes Benz, and Ford Motor Credit Company.

Eric had a love for children and sports and he was an avid basketball player and coach. He used this passion to help build a basketball youth organization known as “Citywide Allstars Youth Association” ages 8-under thru 14-under. The organization won many city championships, several state championships, and a national championship. Eric gave tirelessly of his time, talent, and teal with Citywide Allstarts Youth Association and as a result he positively impacted many children’s lives.

After being back in Fort Worth for a few years, Eric began to feel the tug of the Lord on his life. He united with Higher Praise Family Church under the Leadership of Dr. Patrick L. McGrew. Eventually, Eric accepted his call to ministry and preached his first sermon on July 6, 2003 at Higher Praise Family Church where he also served as Youth Pastor. Eric eventually moved to Dallas, TX and united with New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church and served under the leadership of Pastor Darrell Pryor.

In 2008, Eric went to Houston on family business. At that time, he reconnected with his lifelong crush, Nyoka Harrison (aka “Mimi”). Upon returning home, he made the big announcement that he was considering relocating to Houston. It wasn’t long after that he packed up and moved. In Houston, Eric united with Greater Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of his uncle, the late Dr. Mack Arthur Paul. The lovebirds were inseparable and Mimi quickly became the love of Eric’s life, they were married on April, 2, 2010. If you knew Eric, then you knew he didn’t mind letting you know who Mimi was and what she meant him.

On January 4, 2026, Eric took his last breath and departed this earth. While we miss your earthly presence we bow in humble submission to God’s will.

Preceded in death by; father, Edward Charles; bonus father, Curtis Brown; siblings, Ricky Kirby and Rena Kirby Brown.

Left to cherish Eric’s memory: wife, Nyoka “Mimi” Paul; mother, Ruby Harris; bonus Mom, Irene Brown; siblings, Myra Clay, Cedric Brown (Sandra), Myrnia Brown, Jackie Williams, Edwina Swinton (Kary), Emmitt Charles, La Guardian Charles, Shantel Boone (Brian), Leon Kirby (Glenda), Laverne Kirby, Terry Kirby (Delores) and Gary Kirby; sisters-in-law, Pamela Irvin (Roland) Stacie Harrison a host of nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

A visitation will be held at Greater Galilee Baptist Church, located at 4637 Gano St, Houston, TX 77009, on January 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

The committal service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.