MSgt. Philip Calvin Paul, US Air Force, retired, died on the first day of fall, Saturday, September 22, 2018, with his family by his side and his loved and cherished wife holding his hand. Born in Maryland, he joined the Air Force at a young age, served during the Vietnam War, and held many posts during his 25 year career including the Beijing Embassy in China where he spoke fluent Chinese, and retired from the Tactical Air Command at Langley Air Force Base. Sargeant Paul distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States while assigned as Chief, Battle Staff Administrative Support Branch, Battle Staff Support Division, Tactical Air Command Operations Center, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley and thus earned the Meritorious Service Medal. Because of his attention to provide the best in administrative support so that Battle Staff equipment could be promptly and properly ordered and received, TAC remains the leader in communications command and control. The logistical support to the Battle Staff, solely orchestrated by Sargeant Paul was superb. He was Directorate TEMPEST Monitor, making him responsible that the entire DO staff had a basic technical and a broad general knowledge of secure communication practices. Because of his expert track record, he was hand-picked by the DO Executive to be the sole individual to assist HQ TAC in establishing a Strategic Air Command Liaison Office, a task with formidable logistics. Philip received the small arms expert marksmanship ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
An outstanding tennis player, he was co-captain of the LAFB tennis team for many years. He was a gifted musician and a brilliant writer and author who had earned both a Bachelors and a Master's Degree. Philip was involved in radio broadcasting for a number of years and had worked for the Transportation Department for Hampton City Schools and as a substitute teacher in Hampton and York County. An outgoing person, he loved to meet people and he could talk to anyone about anything. He was very generous with his time and was always glad to help anyone who asked for help.
Preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marjorie; survivors include his wife, Melanie Paul; three Shetland Sheepdog therapy dogs, Molly, Locksley, and Lothair; his special cat, Chloe; a sister, Kathryn Gill; a brother, Dana Paul; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service with Air Force honors will be conducted at 2:30 PM Sunday, September 30, 2018 in the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home chapel. Philip will be laid to rest in Charlottesville at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, the Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666 or the Cat Corner, 85 Fulton Street, Hampton, VA 23663.