Edgar Brinson Paul

MURFREESBORO, NC – Brinson Paul, age 90, passed from this life at his home in Murfreesboro on Wednesday July 27, 2022, surrounded by his children.

Brinson was born on December 5, 1931, in the Free Union Community of Beaufort County, North Carolina, to Edgar Ruel Paul and Mamie Cox Paul.

After graduating from Pantego High School in 1950, he attended Chowan Junior College, where he met Lorene Bennett, who became the love of his life and best friend. They were married on February 23, 1953.

While attending Chowan, Brinson played on the basketball and baseball teams, and he worked at the college, Western Auto, and the local newspaper in order to pay his way through college.

Following graduation from Chowan in 1952, he worked in Norfolk, VA with the Virginian Railroad, until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving in the Army for two years, he began his 37 year career with Motors Insurance Corporation, a division of General Motors. He held many positions with GM, starting as an Adjuster in Raleigh, NC. During his career he held 15 different positions in 10 different cities. Brinson always said that it was hard to hit a moving target. His last position was Manager of Field Operations for the eastern U.S. Lorene was always very supportive of these moves, and she took care of the home and children when Brinson had to travel extensively.

Upon retirement from GM in Detroit, MI in 1992, Brinson and Lorene moved one final time to Murfreesboro. Brinson used to say he took the love of his life all over the country for 40 years and then brought her back home.

Brinson spent the majority of his retirement days developing and operating the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana in Murfreesboro. He was extensively involved in fundraising for the museum, including directing the Roanoke-Chowan Pork Fest for many years. Brinson was also a supporter of the Murfreesboro War Veterans’ Memorial and the annual observances held there.

In his retirement years, he was awarded the Murfreesboro Community Service Award, the Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Chowan University. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, photography, family, and serving at the Murfreesboro Baptist Church and Chowan University.

Brinson is survived by daughter, Barbara Beasley (Roger) of Bellevue, WA; son, David Paul (Janice) of Allen, TX; grandchildren, Philip Beasley of Bellevue, WA; Daniel Beasley of Kirkand, WA; Nate Paul (Ashley) of Carrollton, TX; Jenna Kok (Andrew) of Van Alstyne, TX; Emily Paul of Carrollton, TX; Abby Paul of Allen, TX; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah and Jovie Kok of Van Alstyne, TX. Also surviving is brother, Donald Paul (Barbara) of Austin, TX.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Lorene; parents, Edgar and Mamie Paul; brothers, Robert Paul (Verna), Reid Paul (Sandy), and sister Ruth Sutton (Clyde).

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00pm on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Murfreesboro Baptist Church, with Dr. Chris White officiating.  Burial will follow in Meherrin Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Lorene and Brinson Paul Scholarship Fund at Chowan University, One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC, 27855 or online by clicking here

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro is handling the arrangements for the Paul family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.