Paul Stribling Conger, Jr.

Paul Stribling Conger, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away on April 14, 2026 at the age of 83. While many knew him as a Judge or a Colonel, those closest to him knew him simply as Paul—a man who never met a stranger.

Born on Christmas Day in 1942 to Vivian Rowell Conger and Paul Stribling Conger, Sr., Paul grew up with a spirit of adventure that guided his long-storied career. He achieved much in his professional life, but if you asked him what he was most proud of, he wouldn’t point to a plaque on the wall; he would point to his family.

Growing up in Andalusia, Alabama, Paul discovered early on that life was better with music. From his days playing the trombone in high school to his years spent forming and joining choirs, music was his constant companion. While earning his bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., he left a lasting mark by starting the school’s first ROTC pep band, proving that even in a military setting, he believed there was always room for a little music.

A man of deep conviction and patriotism, he volunteered for active duty during the Vietnam war, serving with distinction in the Army as an officer in Military Intelligence and receiving the Bronze Star. Even in the midst of war, his heart for service never wavered; in his free time, he organized school supply drives for local children and taught English classes to Vietnamese locals, simply because he saw a need and wanted to help. A lifelong lover of dogs who was rarely without a pet, he even adopted a Husky while stationed in Vietnam—that he sadly had to leave behind when his tour was over. He retired after a 30-year career with the rank of Colonel, where he led his troops with integrity and strength.

While earning his J. D. degree at the University of Alabama School of Law, Paul met and married the love of his life, Margaret. The greatest constant in his life was his 56-year marriage to Margaret. Theirs was a marriage built not on a lack of hardship, but on a shared strength to overcome it. Through every season and every storm, they leaned on their unwavering faith in Jesus, finding the grace to grow together, rather than apart.

Of all the titles Paul held throughout his distinguished career, none meant more to him than “Dad.” Together, he and Margaret raised four children, and he embraced every moment of fatherhood with his whole heart. They were his greatest joy and he never missed an opportunity to tell them—or anyone else—how proud he was of them or how much he loved them.

A man of profound duty and deep empathy, Paul spent his life in service to others. As a Family Court Judge (and later as a Federal Administrative Law Judge) he believed in offering a path forward for people in their moments of greatest need. He believed that leadership was about helping people through their hardships—a belief he put into action during almost 10 mission trips to Venezuela and dozens of weekends with the Kairos Prison Ministry. His legacy is one of a rare combination: the strength of a soldier, the wisdom of a judge, and the humble heart of a missionary.

While he took great pride in his children, his joy was truly multiplied as he became a grandfather and a great-grandfather. Known affectionately as “Poppi” to his seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, he was a constant presence in their lives. He took delight in watching them grow and was a source of endless stories, steady encouragement, and a love that made each of them feel like the center of his world.

Beyond his professional and missionary work, Pul had a deep passion for travel. He and Margaret shared many adventures together, traveling across Europe and making meaningful pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Yet, of all the miles he traveled, his favorite destination was always the Gulf Coast. For over 30 years, the highlight of his year was the annual (mandatory) Conger Family Beach Vacation—a sacred time where his ever-growing family gathered together to rest, laugh, and create memories by the water.

While we mourn his absence, we have profound hope and assurance, knowing he is now in Heaven with Jesus. We imagine him with a body fully healed, perhaps with a dog by his side, laughing and telling stories with the friends and family who have gone before him.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Temple Conger, his children: Sarah Margaret Conger; Paul Stribling Conger, III and his wife Joanne; John Matthews Conger and his wife Jaime; Elisabeth Conger Enchelmayer and her husband Eric. His grandchildren are Jacob Dalton Conger and his wife Tipper, Madeline Conger Land and her husband John David, Meredith Lee Conger, Joseph Guy Enchelmayer, Vivian Jean Conger, Henry Matthews Conger, and Benton Lee Enchelmayer. His great-grandchildren are Leonidas Alexander Conger, Fox Oliver Conger, Ripley Dalton Conger, Harper Dean Conger, and William Francis Land. He is also survived by his brother, Dan Hagood Conger and his wife Nancy of Athens, Georgia.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church with a reception immediately following the service in the Commons. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the English as a Second Language Program or the Acts 1:8 Fund at Calvary Baptist Church, 1121 Paul Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.