Paul Russell Malphurs

Paul Russell Malphurs was born on October 25, 1957, in Tallahassee, Florida, to Pete Malphurs and Patricia Hudson Malphurs. He spent most of his childhood in Georgia, growing up alongside his brothers, Billy and Kenneth, and childhood best friends who helped shape his early years. At the age of 17, Paul moved to New Orleans, the city he would call home for the rest of his life.

Paul was a man of many passions, remarkable determination, and an unmistakable personality. He was equal parts engineer and rock-and-roll and blues man, a devoted son, brother, husband, father and as of 2026, grandfather. He was also a proud naval officer, a passionate sports fan, and the kind of friend who could make any gathering more entertaining. Selfless, generous, witty, hardworking, and always ready to have a good time, Paul lived life to the fullest. With Paul, it was never a dull moment.

Paul's professional accomplishments were a testament to his perseverance and determination. Against some pretty extraordinary odds, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Orleans and went on to pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam, becoming a licensed professional engineer. He took great pride in his work as a mechanical engineer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, especially in his role as lead cavern engineer. He loved what he did, and his dedication to his work reflected the pride he took in doing things well.

Service to his country was another important part of Paul's life. He served in the United States Naval Reserve with the Seabees, the Navy’s construction force, and ultimately retired as a naval officer after 20 years of service. His military service reflected the same commitment, discipline, and determination that he brought to every part of his life.

But there was so much more to Paul than his professional accomplishments. He had a lifelong love of music, played both guitar and harmonica, and was the ultimate entertainer. The Hard 8 Band was a special part of his musical life. Whether through music, laughter, or simply his larger-than-life presence, Paul knew how to bring people together and make memories that would last.

Paul also had a lifelong passion for snow skiing, a love he proudly passed down to his two children, Christie and Matthew. The annual “Dudes Ski Trip” held a special place in his heart, bringing together friendship, adventure, and the kind of fun Paul cherished. Those trips were just one of many ways he made the most of life and created traditions that will live on in the people he loved.

Some of the most treasured memories Paul created were the summers he spent with Christie and Matthew in Newnan, Georgia. Those summers were filled with museum visits, waterparks, Fourth of July firework shows, and time spent running around with their beloved dog, Sheila. But among the memories his children hold closest are the quiet moments when it was just the three of them, and Dad was teaching them how to fish. There is something irreplaceable about learning to fish from your dad, and those simple, wholesome days together became some of Christie and Matthew’s most cherished childhood memories. They will carry those moments with them forever.

Eight years ago, Paul and Sharla bought a house in Navarre Beach, Florida, that became their home away from home. The beach was a special place for them, a place to unwind, enjoy each other's company, and build a life filled with simple pleasures and wonderful friendships. Paul loved his morning walks down to the Gulf and going to dinner at a beach bar. But some of his happiest evenings were spent sitting beside Sharla in their chairs on their backyard beach, listening to NPR and watching the sun set over the water. It was a simple pleasure they shared often, and one he treasured. He and Sharla made many friends there and created countless memories along the way. Navarre Beach became more than a getaway; it became a cherished part of their life together.

An athlete himself, Paul enjoyed participating in sports and running 5K and 10K races well into adulthood. He was also a devoted New Orleans Saints fan who loved attending Saints, Pelicans and LSU games with his family and friends. He treasured talking sports with his son and sharing those moments together. Anyone who knew Paul knew about his unwavering devotion to NPR. The radio was almost always tuned in, providing a constant soundtrack to his days. Between NPR, Saints football, music, and conversation, Paul had his own way of making every day a little more interesting.

Above all, Paul's greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sharla, and an incredible dad to Christie and Matthew. He loved his family fiercely and brought laughter, adventure, and an unmistakable spirit to their lives. He was also a cherished brother, a loyal friend to countless people, and someone whose presence made life more fun for everyone around him.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Sharla; his children, Christie and Matthew; his granddaughter, Birdie, Christie's daughter; and her husband Bryce; his brothers, Billy and Kenneth, and their wives, April and Kari; his stepmother, Shirley Malphurs; and many extended family members, including nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Malphurs and Patricia Hudson Malphurs.

Paul leaves behind a lifetime of accomplishments, countless stories, cherished traditions, and a whole lot of laughter. He will be remembered for his determination, his generous heart, his quick wit, his love of music and adventure, his infectious smile and his ability to make the most of every opportunity. From his years of dedicated service and engineering work to ski trips, family football games, and peaceful mornings walking along the Gulf, Paul's life was full of the things he loved and the people who mattered most to him.

His absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved him, but the memories he created, the friendships he built, and the joy he brought to others will live on. Paul lived life to the fullest, loved his people wholeheartedly, and made sure there was never a dull moment along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until the celebration of life at 2:00 pm.

Paul will receive his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with the honor and dignity befitting his life and service. Details of the service will be announced at a later date.