Paul Russell Bordeaux

Paul Russell Bordeaux, age 59, of Wilmington, NC, passed away after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on October 21, 2014. He was surrounded and comforted by his family until his passing at New Hanover Regional Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Wilmington, NC, on September 29, 1955, as the son of the late Harlee E. Bordeaux Sr. and Angel M. Bordeaux and was the second of three children.

Paul served and fought bravely for his country with the United States Navy for over twenty years. He was honorably discharged on October 31, 1994 with the rank of QuarterMaster E-6 from the USS Hawes in Charleston, SC. Throughout his career he was decorated with medals, badges, and ribbons including three Battle ‘E’ Ribbons, two Naval Reserve Sea Service Ribbons, Navy Pistol Expert Medal, Navy Rifle Expert Medal, two US Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbons, two Overseas Service Ribbons, Navy Achievement Medal, two Sea Service Ribbons, Marksman Ribbon, and a National Defense Ribbon. He received two Letters of Appreciation for US Naval Activity in the United Kingdom and Commanding Officer Special Boat Unit. He received multiple Citations from the Commander in Chief US Naval Forces in Europe, Commanding Officer with the USS Connole, and Commander Special Boat Squadron along with Letter of Commendations from the Commanding Officer with Naval Special Warfare, and Commander of Naval Reserve Forces. He also received the Sailor of the Year Award from the Commanding Officer of the Special Boat Unit. He was very proud to be US Navy and dedicated his life to his country.

With his love for education, Paul attended and graduated from the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, LA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies with a minor in Women’s History. He dedicated many years to teaching middle and high school students in both Louisiana and North Carolina along with coaching middle school football, volleyball and adult softball. He was a proud UNO Privateer with the National Alumni Association. Later he accepted a position with the Veterans Clinic in Wilmington, NC where he could serve his fellow veterans. Paul loved his family, friends, riding buddies, and Mocha. He enjoyed the freedom of the road on his motorcycle, traveling to the North Carolina Mountains and the beauty of the crashing waves on the beach. He will be sincerely missed by all.

He is survived by his fiancé, Kimberly B. Dickens of Castle Hayne, NC; his mother, Angel M. Bordeaux of Wilmington, NC; his brother, Harlee E. Bordeaux, Jr. and wife Debra of Shallotte, NC, his sister, Angel M. Bordeaux of Wilmington, NC; his Godchild and niece, Kristy Marshburn and husband Gene Paul; niece, Jennifer Helms and husband Ted; nephew, Patrick Bordeaux and family friend, Becki.Heffner

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Monday, October 27, 2014 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service with Father Bob Kus officiating.

Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens with Full Military Honors.

The Staff of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Paul Russell Bordeaux.