Paul David Hembree

Paul David Hembree, 72, passed away peacefully on May 31st in Huntsville, Alabama surrounded by his family.

Paul was born on April 11, 1954, in Coco Solo, Colón, Panama. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend whose greatest passion in life was sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Zora Darlene Hembree; his children, Samantha Lane (Aaron), Matthew Hembree, and Katie Hembree; and his cherished grandchildren, Rachel Lane, Ryder Lane, and Reese Lane, who were truly the light of his life. He is also survived by his father, Sam M. Hembree (Dee); his sisters, Clara Maxcy (Larry) and Jill Styes (Don); his brother, Glenn Hembree (Shannan); and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis A. Hembree, his nephew Robert Duboise, and his niece Maggie Styes.

If you knew Paul, you knew he loved Jesus. His passion was sharing the Gospel and helping others come to know his Savior. In his early thirties, Paul accepted Christ, was baptized, and dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He attended Tennessee Temple University, where he studied Theology, and later continued his education at Denver Seminary in Colorado.

Throughout his life, Paul faithfully served in many areas of ministry, including youth leadership, Sunday school teaching, church choir, and pastoral ministry. Eventually, he was ordained as a pastor. Among all his ministries, the one closest to his heart was serving residents of retirement and nursing homes in Savannah, Georgia. Each week, he and his family shared worship services with people who eagerly looked forward to hearing Paul share God's Word. Later, after moving to Huntsville, Alabama, Paul led church services at Limestone Correctional Facility. He had a special burden for those who felt forgotten and a deep desire to share the hope of Christ with everyone he met.

In his later years, Paul spent countless hours listening to sermons, podcasts, and Bible teaching programs. Some of his favorite teachers were Dr. Carl Broggi of Community Bible Church in Beaufort, South Carolina, and Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. If you asked Paul how he was doing, he would often smile and say, "Better than I deserve," and he truly meant it. His favorite words of encouragement to his children and grandchildren were simple but powerful: "Walk with the King and be a blessing."

Paul also had a lifelong love for automobiles. He owned many memorable cars over the years, built model cars, and spent countless hours restoring and rebuilding vehicles. His passion became his profession, as he dedicated more than 50 years to the auto body industry, beginning at just 15 years old. Even as the industry evolved, Paul embraced new technology and developed a strong interest in electric vehicles and modern automotive systems. His knowledge, skill, and dedication earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.

Beyond ministry and cars, Paul enjoyed fishing, reading, birdwatching, gardening, smoking cigars, watching John Wayne movies, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. He was an avid college football fan who proudly supported the Auburn Tigers, while also enjoying watching the Georgia Bulldogs. He loved singing and playing guitar and spent part of his younger years collecting arrowheads on his family farm. For a time, he also trained police dogs, combining his love of animals with his remarkable patience and discipline. He especially loved his dogs and treasured their companionship.

Paul was never shy about sharing his opinions, whether discussing politics, cheering on his favorite teams, or passionately talking back to the television while watching the news. Yet beneath his strong convictions was a man who genuinely cared about people and wanted them to know the love, grace, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.

Above all else, Paul loved his family. He regularly told his children how proud he was of them and took immense joy in watching his grandchildren grow and accomplish great things. More than anything, his desire was for those who came after him to know and love Jesus.

Paul was truly a fisher of men. If he could leave one final message, it would be this: Jesus loves you. God sent His only Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Paul's greatest hope was that everyone he loved would one day join him in Heaven.

When you think of Paul, remember the words he lived by: "Walk with the King and be a blessing."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

A graveside service celebrating Paul's life will be held at a later date. Friends and family will be notified once arrangements have been completed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Paul. This is a charity that Paul faithfully supported each month and held close to his heart.