William Edward (Eddie) Paul, Jr., age 65, of Jacksonville, died peacefully, Friday, March 12, 2021 at his home. He was born July 17,1955 in Little Rock, AR to Juanita Anne Autry Paul (deceased) and Bill Paul (also deceased).
Paul spent his childhood in the Rose City area of North Little Rock and graduated from Northeast High School in 1973, where he played French horn in the band. During his high school career, he also auditioned and played in Arkansas All-Region and Arkansas All-State bands, which led him to major in music at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia where he graduated in the spring of 1977.
Following college graduation, Paul’s first directing job was for the Fordyce School District in Fordyce, AR. During his stint there, he married his college fiancé, Jennifer Stilwell. Later, after directing the Malvern JuniorHigh band for two years, Paul went into fundraising sales for several years, which led the couple to the Dallas,TX area, where their two sons were born.
Upon closing his own fundraising business, Vanguard Marketing, the family moved to Jacksonville, where Paul began directing bands again for the Pulaski County Special School District until his retirement in 2010. His love for music kept his students engaged in a way that connected their current tunes with past compositions in history, thereby leading them to the knowledge that all music had relevance, no matter its age.
He leaves his wife of 43 years, Jennifer; two sons, Jason Edward Paul, of Cabot, James
Edmond Paul (Erin), of North Little Rock, and one granddaughter, Laura Lou Paul, who is big sister to another granddaughter on her way.
Paul is also survived by one brother, Richard Paul (Schelly), three nephews, Richard, Jr. of Richardson,TX, Jonathan of Sherwood, and Darnell, also of Sherwood. He was preceded by another brother, Darrell Paul (Renate, also deceased), two nieces, Jennifer and Chrystal of Sherwood, two great nephews, Caleb and Jacob; two half-brothers, John Robert Voss, of Beebe and Charles Barry Voss, of Conway. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In light of the current health concerns, Eddie’s family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers if you are not able to attend the service. Please be aware, as per Arkansas directives, attendance will be regulated in accordance to Arkansas guidelines, all guests in attendance will be required to wear masks/facial coverings and social distancing guidelines will be in place.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, AR, 72076. 501-982-3400.
21 Comments
Jennifer and family, I am sadden to hear of Mr. Paul’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and teacher. I was one of the first students he had in beginner band in Fordyce so many years ago. He will always have a special place in my heart. Keeping you and your family in my prayers!
Mr. Paul will be greatly missed. He made such an impact on the lives of so many, myself included.
One of the nicest people that came and taught music in Jacksonville. He will truly be missed.
A wonderful cousin I will miss. Your now with so many loved ones and we will be together again one day. No more pain. I luv you!!🙏🙏💜💜
Condolences and prayers for Eddie’s family.
Many prayers of comfort for Jennifer and Eddie’s family. I will miss my fellow friend and musician.
Eddie made a difference in our daughter Angie’s life as her band director and in ours as a brother in Christ. Prayers for Jennifer, the boys and all the family. He will be missed.
Mr. Paul served as band director under my tenure as principal in Jacksonville for several years.
Praying for Jennifer and the Family!
Jennifer and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. It was such a joy to play in music groups with Eddie (at HSU and the Little Rock Wind Symphony AKA Little Rock Winds). I will miss his friendship. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Paul was my daughter’s favorite teacher (Alex Plunk) and she loved every minute in band with him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and hope they know he left a huge legacy of music lovers behind.
I love this family so much. Gentle Journey Eddie, jennifer, Jay and James, im here for you.
I grew up with Eddie. He was always such a kind and caring person. It’s nice to see the impact he had on youth sharing his love of music and all the kind words that have been shared. My heart goes out to his family. You are in my prayers.
Dear Eddie and Entire Family, My deepest Prayers for All of You at this very sad time. I too grew up in Rose City and fondly remember or School Years!! NLR Northeast Charger Years! He was truly a Music Star and Great Talent with GOD’s. Special “Gift”. My Family and I Are thinking and Praying for All of you!!! Sincerely, Lesa Smith, Kerry Smith (NLR Graduate) and Rodney Smith (NLR Graduate)
I went to H.S.U with Eddie. He was a nice guy. My most sincere condolences. God bless his family. He will be missed!
He was a wonderful teacher and by far one of my favorites! He will be missed but always thought of fondly.
Dear friend, know you are in John and my prayers. I am out of town with my granddaughter a d will not be able to be at Eddie’s service, but I am there in spirit. May God give you and the boys strength.
Jennifer, Jason, James, and other members of Eddie’s family – I first met Eddie when he was in the 10th grade at NLR Northeast High and I was student teaching there in 1971. He had a genuine talent and a special interest in band. Even at this point in his career, he was already an artist as a French horn player. Eddie became the Band Director at Jacksonville Northside Jr. High in 1995. His abilities as a teacher were quickly visible. (I was next door at Jacksonville Southside Jr. High.) In two years became the FOUNDING BAND DIRECTOR at Jacksonville Middle School. The number of students in Eddie’s JMS program was amazing, as was the quality of instruction that these students received.
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Eddie’s family. May God bless each of you.
Eddie was a friend at Henderson.
He was always a hero to me. He was kind, intelligent, and a terrific listener. He will be missed.
I was a student of his in Fordyce. Always a kind and caring instructor; I continue my love of music to this day. In hindsight he had the patience of Job to deal will a roomful of beginners! We all benefitted from his knowledge of music. My condolences to his family.
Jennifer and family, I just found out about Eddie. I am so very sorry. I know you are so deeply hurt and missing him so. I remember our childhood and how funny Eddie was.. He wasn’t much on playing with us girls but he, Darrell and Ricky were always around and I remember them either being at Granny Autry’s or at Aunt Emily’s with Aunt Ann.. I’m sorry I did not attend the memorial. I would have had I known. I love you and pray God will grant you peace as only he can.
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