Remembering the Life and Legacy of Harold Paul Jr.

Harold “Big Paul” Paul Jr. of Houston Texas, gained his angelic wings on Sunday, September 15, 2024. He passed away peacefully while in the Tuscany Rehab Facility.

Harold Paul Jr. was the devoted son of the late Harold and Geneva Paul Sr. He was born into their loving, coveted union on November 8, 1949, in Galveston, Texas.

A life well-lived but gone too soon! Harold was a loving, devoted brother, father, and companion to his family and friends. He brought light and laughter to all he encountered. As Harold stood at 6’6,” he earned the name as many affectionately called him, “Big Paul.”

Being baptized in the Catholic religion, he was led to the Lord by modeling his parents’ undying love for the Lord. Harold accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his Savior at the tender age of six, making his first communion at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Galveston, Texas.

Scholastically, Harold attended Holy Rosary Catholic School before transferring to, George Washington Carver Elementary School, where he developed a burning passion for football, and track and field as Coach Sims began cultivating his skills. Harold moved on to Goliad Junior High School, where he excelled in athletics under the direction of Coaches Sterling, Mays, and Winne. After experiencing the vitality of the popularity of being a star football player and the fame that he earned, he quickly became a lady’s man. He decided that football would be a part of his life forever.

The summer of 1965 could not pass fast enough so that he could attend Central High School, where he was able to reach for bigger and better dreams in sports having Coaches Mitchell, Courville, and others contribute to his success. After the great integration, the schools in Galveston ISD were re-zoned leaving Central High School seniors no choice but to attend Ball High School where Harold continued to display his excellence in sports under the direction of Coaches Bledsoe Joe, Willie, and Courville. What a year this was for Harold!

After graduating from Ball High School Harold, attended Texas Southern University for one year due to the heavy and relentless recruiting by the coach of Oklahoma University as he would not accept a no answer resulting in Harold transferring to the bigger, high-rising, Oklahoma University in 1970. This was the highlight of his life. Leaving family and friends behind (life long friend (Larry Smiley) .

Harold went on to be Drafted by the Oakland Raiders and San Diego  Charges. Harold leaves a legacy behind. After Harold Career came to a sudden halt due to injuries on the field. Harold established residency in Oakland, California.

Around 1979, Harold Paul returned home to Galveston, Texas where he spent a spell working for Budweiser Company, and found Galveston too slow for him… He picked up and moved to Houston, Texas where he built a lasting legacy at Houston Metro, where he worked diligently for 26 years until his retirement. It was at Metro that Harold met Darrell Kingsberry Sr., known to Harold as "KingDog," a colleague who  become one of his closest and dearest friends. The two worked together for 18 years,

Darrell's children lovingly called him "Uncle Paul," and Darrell's mother even custom-tailored shirts for Harold to fit his broad shoulders.

 As a true testament to a life well lived, Harold’s family is deeply saddened by his absence, although knowing that God picked a beautiful flower to place in his garden.

Harold is survived by his son, Vincent Paul of Albuquerque, New Mexico,  Texas, one brother, Whitney Paul of Houston, Texas, and one sister, Peggy Ann Paul of New Iberia, Louisiana. One niece, Myedestinee’ Wilson of Lafayette, Louisiana. One great niece, Peyton Ernest-Wilson, and one great nephew, Grant H. Ernest-Wilson of Lafayette, Louisiana. A special And loving companion, Deborah Pleasant of Houston, Texas, step daughters, Donna Chandler, of Dallas, Texas, Danielle Clinton (Rodney) of Houston, Texas  Stepson, Donald Chandler II (Joanne) of Pearland, Texas.

Welcoming Harold to his heavenly home is his late parents, Harold Sr. and Geneva Paul of Galveston, Texas. His paternal grandparents, Alfred and Angelle Paul of New Iberia, Louisiana. His maternal grandparents, Adolph and Genevieve Broussard of Loreauville, Louisiana, and a host of aunts and uncles.

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