David Wilson Paul went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2020.

David was born on October 13, 1946 in Wilmington NC and is preceded in passing by his father, Beverly Archibald Paul; mother, Mary Clara Pearsall Paul; stepmother, Frances Dugan Paul; brother, Beverly Pearsall Paul and half-sister, Lee Ann Triplett Zeman. We know that they are all together again free from pain, telling stories and laughing, and more than likely eating hot dogs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Aldrich Paul; son, David Jonathan "JP" Paul; grandson, Isaiah Leevans Paul; daughter, Callie Lynn Paul and half-sister, Robin L. Triplett.

David Wilson Paul was the third generation proprietor of Paul's Place Hot Dogs located in Rocky Point, NC. During the many years of his career, David became part of the fabric of countless people's lives. He never met a stranger and was always quick to ask your name, your 'family' name, and where you were from. Once he met you he never forgot you. Years could pass between meetings and he would always pick up where you left off. He had a way of making everyone feel important and would listen intently to every story told. He was a proud supporter of his community and served as Pender County Commissioner from 1976-1982. If anyone was ever in need of anything, David was the first to help without questions or judgements.

David had been in the Army Reserve for 6 years when he was younger and was a Mason in his later years. He graduated from Burgaw High School in 1965 and kept up with many of his classmates throughout the years. He was a proud Christian and attended Rocky Point Methodist Church where he would occasionally sing boisterously in the choir. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and at one time ran his own Hunting Preserve. Sponsoring many of his favorite local racing drivers, David loved the sport and enjoyed attending many races throughout his life. He loved all music and was known to break out in song at odd times; but, he especially loved beach music and could shag dance with the best of them. David never shied away from adventure and when he liked something he liked it with his whole heart.

Services will be held at Northside Baptist Church on Saturday, December 12th at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kenny Chinn, Pastor Mark Murphy, and the Reverend William Hill Pearsall conducting the service. Due to Covid-19 measures, social distancing is requested and a mask will be needed to attend the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org) or to Rocky Point Methodist Church.