Bobby Edward Paul, age 88, departed this earthly life on Friday, August 7, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Funeral services honoring Mr. Bobby’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Ripley Funeral Home with Jimmy Huddleston and Bro. Steve Holliday officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the service hour on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Whitten Town Cemetery. There will be no graveside service.
Born on September 29, 1937, in Tippah County, Mississippi, Mr. Bobby was the son of the late Robert Leroy Paul and Ruby Mae Devers Paul. He attended Shady Grove School before receiving technical training through Ford, preparing him for what would become a lifelong career doing what he loved most. In 1957, he began working at Farrow Ward Ford as a mechanic, where his talent, dedication, and strong work ethic quickly earned him the respect of both coworkers and customers alike. After forty-two years of full-time service, he retired in 1999, yet retirement never suited him. He continued working part-time at the dealership until 2016, making his total time there nearly six decades. It would not be an exaggeration to say that at one time or another, Mr. Bobby had probably worked on nearly every vehicle in Tippah County.
In his younger years, Mr. Bobby enjoyed music and played in a local band, often gathering at the radio station with his group to perform. As the years passed, he found great joy traveling with his late wife, Sara, making countless memories together while exploring the country from Niagara Falls to Alaska. He also had a gift for woodworking, spending many hours crafting small shelves, furniture, and decorative pieces with his own hands.
Later in life, Mr. Bobby lost his eyesight, limiting many of the activities he had once enjoyed. Even so, he never lost his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Whether it was visiting with family and friends, reflecting on cherished memories, or simply enjoying a quiet day, he remained content with the blessings God had given him. By being saved and accepting the love of Jesus Christ later in life, Mr. Bobby found a peace and assurance that remained with him for the rest of his days. He was a faithful member of West Ripley Baptist Church.
Today, those who knew and loved Mr. Bobby will remember a humble, hardworking man whose hands were rarely still, whose life was marked by honesty and dedication, and whose legacy can be seen not only in the countless automobiles he repaired, but in the family he loved so dearly. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his loved ones find comfort in knowing he is forever healed and at peace.
Those left to cherish his memory include his one son, William “Bill” Paul (Wendy); his two daughters, Connie Conely (Bart) and Gina Dunnam (Randy); seven grandchildren, Katie Clark (Dillon), Morgan Bryan (Brandon), Mindy Mitcham (Brent), Lynn Baker (Austin), Lee Dunnam (Courtney), Justin Paul, and Lindsey Paul; and his twelve great-grandchildren, Lane, Rafe, Kellen, Case, Conleigh Kate, Levi, Noah, Emerson, Ava, Olivia, Josie, and Joseph; along with numerous extended family members and many dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sara Gertrude Moore Paul, and his sister, Hazel Huddleston.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Bobby’s family.
