Paul Anthony Conrads

CHAPIN - Paul Conrads, 60, passed away suddenly on December 2, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin SC. Casual dress is fine. The family will receive friends after the service at the church.

Paul was an incredible husband, brother, uncle and friend. He loved his work but also his fishing, gardening, cooking and anything he could newly conquer. As one colleague wrote “Paul was truly special in a way that very few people are. It was easy to love him-his zest for life, his intelligence, his endless willingness to help, his love of good food and wine, his mischievous way and so much more. I can honestly say that I know no one that compares to his integrity of spirit”

Paul attended Landon School, Connecticut College and received his Master’s degree from University of SC. He was a huge Gamecock supporter in all sports. The Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Redskins were also followed avidly.

Paul’s professional career was remarkable. He was the Surface-Water Specialist for the US Geological Survey in South Carolina. He assisted many water utilities, state agencies, universities and non-profits in making science-based decisions in water-resource management. He was on the cutting edge of science with regard to “big data” and data mining. He was one of the pioneers of Artificial Neural Networks, a science that utilized the real-time data of the USGS with a means to understand the effects of drought, which are challenging to quantify adjacent to the ocean. His work in this field was recognized internationally.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Marjorie Conrads. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Cindy Sims Conrads; brother and sister-in-law David and Margi Conrads; sisters-in-law, Susan Bates, Sheridan Mann, Sara Sims, Linda Sims and Ashley Sims; brothers-in-law, Henry Sims, Al Bates, Blair Sims, Eric Sims and Arnold Mann; nieces and nephews include, Lee and Kim Conrads, McCrea, Ali and Henry Sims, Allen Bates, Charlie Sims, Chauncey and Sims Mann, Maisy, Ian, Blair and Gracie Sims, also, his beloved companions, Abigail and Peaches.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank or the charity of one’s choice.