Ira Bryan Paul Jr.

February 12, 1943 - May 6, 2019
Ira Bryan Paul Jr.

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Ira Bryan Paul “IB” was mercifully released from his body into heaven on May 6th of 2019. IB was born on Feb. 12th, 1943 to Katie Groce Paul and Bryan Paul who had longed for a child for some time. IB grew up in a neighborhood filled with children and had lots of playmates…Bobby, Carolyn, Libby, and Malvia. As he grew up, he became a fine athlete who by the time he entered high school, played football, basketball, and tennis. In 1961, he along with his doubles partner won the North Carolina tennis doubles championship. He graduated from East Carolina College in 1965 and began graduate school there as well. Time passed and IB realized that a Masters Degree in psychology was not what he really wanted to pursue. He was employed by Washington City School to be the Physical Education coordinator. Later he taught seventh graders for 1½ years. During this time he began dating Josephine Bowen whom he married on March 29, 1969.
IB worked for Beaufort County Savings and Loan and later became the vice-president. Bitten by the real estate bug, he retired from the Savings and Loan and began a rental property business which he continued to pursue until his death.
IB and Josephine loved to travel to the Bahamas, Venezuela, the western Caribbean Islands, California, Las Vegas, and New England. The highlight of their travels was a trip to Israel in 1991.
Both IB and Josephine came to accept Jesus as their personal LORD and Savior in 1980. They traveled far and wide to hear the Word of God preached by Jamie Buckingham, the Hunters, John Hobbs, Ken Helser, and many more.
In later years, IB suffered with a blood disease that required frequent blood transfusions. He was sent to Duke Medical Center to Dr. Murat Arcasoy who put IB on a medication that alleviated the need for transfusions. In the summer of 2018, his medication stopped working and the transfusions resumed. Thanks to the vision and wisdom of Dr. Arcasoy and Dr. John Inzerillo, IB was given a new medication which eliminated further transfusions.
In March of this year, IB and Josephine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their church, The Church of the Good Shepherd. lB pursued life with vigor and most recently he pursued his life with tenacity and perseverance. He will be sorely missed.
His life will be celebrated on Thursday, May 9th at the Church of the Good Shepherd located at 2425 Market Street Ext. Washington, NC. Visitation will take place at the church from 4 pm until 5. IB’s Celebration of Life service will begin at 5 pm.
The family is very grateful to Dr. Murat Arcasoy, Dr Cynthia Christiano, and Dr. John Inzerillo.
IB is survived by his wife Josephine, sister-in-law Mary Howard Blount and brother-in-law Dr. John Gray Blount, his nieces Stacy Blount Divine, Mary Angel Blount, and Emily Mayne. Also surviving are goddaughters Ashley Gaylord and Shelby Thompson, cousins Joe Paul, Ava Paul, Ken Reed, Russ Reed, Yvonne Smith, Mike & Nancy Willis, Bill Dunn, Susan Dawson, Etta Buckman, Buck and Vicki Buckman, Josephine Winters, Frances Pennick, and Elsie Phillips. He leaves behind many good friends as well.
You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com.
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Director Licensee of Washington is serving the Paul family.


Celebration of Life

Thursday, May 9, 2019
5:00 PM

Church of The Good Shepherd - Directions
2425 N. Market Street
Washington, NC 27889
252-945-4231

Visiting Hours

Church of The Good Shepherd - Directions
2425 N. Market Street, Washington, NC 27889   T:252-945-4231
  • Thursday, May 9, 2019
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

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  • May 08, 2019
    Sherry & Linwood Glover says:
    My heart is so sadden by the loss of this great man. He gave a lot to others even when he was not aware he was doing so. My heartfelt sorrow goes to the family. May he now rest in eternal peace.

  • May 17, 2019
    Marsha Young says:
    Prayers of peace for you mrs Josephine

  • May 16, 2019
    Rebecca Farish says:
    Josephine, I know your memories and faith will sustain you. God bless you all.

  • May 14, 2019
    Mary and Lee Tankard says:
    Josephine you are in our thoughts.

  • May 11, 2019
    Jo Anne Watters says:
    I B was one of the finest men I have known. He was kind and gentle, passionate about Jesus and I was blessed to minister with him and Josephine many times. I will miss him.

  • May 11, 2019
    Robin & Al Hodge says:
    Josephine, Al & I are saddened by the passing of I.B. but know he is in a great place w/no pain. I so miss the days when we would all meet together for Margaret & Paynie's Bible study. He is now rejoicing in heaven with them both. What a great reunion. You are in our prayers for a comforting peace.

  • May 11, 2019
    Gertrude Stoop Harris says:
    Josephine I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • May 09, 2019
    Cindy Haddock Lynn says:
    Josephine, I am so sorry to hear of I.B.'s passing. I truly enjoyed working with him all those years at Seaboard Savings & Loan and getting to know both of you! He was good man and God has gained another angel. Prayers for you as you go through this hurtful time. Know that we love you and you can call on us at any time for anything.

  • May 09, 2019
    Ginger Woolard Newbold says:
    Josephine, I.B. was such a sweet, kind gentleman. May God grant you peace and sustain you as you being your walk through life without him. I am thankful the separation from our loved ones is temporary.

  • May 09, 2019
    Malvia Harris Jr says:
    IB and I grew up as neighbors. In the last few weeks we visited by phone for almost two hours one night. I am so glad for that visit. May Gods love and strength comfort his family and friends during this time.

  • May 09, 2019
    Don and Linda Clark says:
    IB was a man among men...custom made for his Josephine...AS she was for him...How I love you both... I know his prayers are covering his precious princess even now... Josephine...We ALL Love you So very dearly....And we Will Never ever forget Him.

  • May 08, 2019
    Tina & Alan Jordan says:
    Josephine,
    Alan and I are saddened to learn of IB's passing. We always enjoyed our run ins at the grocery store or in town. Such a fine gentleman. We both had the good fortune of meeting you both through John Gray. Way back in the day. The good ole days. You two were a match made in heaven. We know he is catching up with old friends and hugging on his sweet
    Mama.
    We are keeping you in our heartfelt prayers throughout this difficult time.
    Love you much.

  • May 08, 2019
    Laura Griffin Hicks says:
    Josephine, My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • May 08, 2019
    Edward & Martha Harding says:
    I.B. was a real friend and such a gentleman. Washington won't be the same without him. We were so very sorry to learn of his passing but know he is at peace now.

  • May 08, 2019
    Kay Andrew says:
    Josephine, I do love you so very much and I know we are all saddened to lose our "football hero." He followed the light and will be with God forever. Our memories of IB are God's gift, and we can rejoice for them.

  • May 07, 2019
    Phil Edwards says:
    Sorry to learn of my "Twin" passing yesterday. I know it has be a tough journey as we often talked about it. RIP my friend.

  • May 08, 2019
    Laura Nicholls says:
    Josephine, I am so sorry to hear of I.B.'s passing but I'm sure he is rejoicing to be with Jesus! Prayers for you for God's comfort and peace and direction in the days ahead.

  • May 08, 2019
    Norleen Brinson says:
    Your loss is heaven's gain! Prayers God will clothe you with love and comfort now and in future days

  • May 08, 2019
    Dorcas and Jimmy Oakley says:
    Josephine our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time

  • May 08, 2019
    Linda Lewis says:
    Josephine, my heart goes out to you in the loss of your precious Husband. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

  • May 08, 2019
    Bob Murphrey says:
    We grew up together, played almost daily together as kids, and were friends to the end. Although we only saw each other about once a year, it was always something I looked forward to and will miss terribly. Love to Josephine and family. And Rest In Peace old friend...

  • May 07, 2019
    Faye Fulford says:
    Josephine, So sorry to learn of I.B.'s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with during this most difficult time. So sorry we can't be at his service. We are out of town at this time. Sending our love.

  • May 08, 2019
    Mary Jo Guthrie Latham says:
    So sorry, Josephine, for your loss. We know IB is in a good place, but he will surely be missed. If I can be any help to you, please let me know.

  • May 07, 2019
    Mary Kay Kolacz Taylor says:
    Josephine, I'm so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • May 07, 2019
    Frances Clark says:
    Josephine, I am so sorry to hear of IB's homegoing, happy for him. I love you and will see you on Thursday.

  • May 07, 2019
    Denny Pinkham says:
    I miss you already. Thank you for your help with my journey. It's nice to know you woke this morning three inches taller and pain free.

  • May 07, 2019
    Jennifer Roy says:
    I met Mr. IB three years ago when we bought the house next door to he and Mrs. Josephine at Edgewater Beach. We couldn't have asked for better or kinder neighbors. Mr. IB would often come and check on me when he knew Mark wasn't home and he and Mrs. Josephine were always there with tips on river living. They were truly an inspiration to Mark and I and we can not imagine the summer without him next door. Mrs. Josephine is in our thoughts now as she moves through this difficult time.

  • May 07, 2019
    Jeannie Kountouris says:
    IB was truly an inspiration to me growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with You all.

  • May 07, 2019
    Larry Jones says:
    RIP IB

  • May 07, 2019
    Sandra Buckman says:
    Processing that my brother has now graduated and is dancing before His throne with no more pain, full of energy and joy. He finished the race well and was a faithful servant until his homecoming. Many lives have been touched by this man of God as he followed the voice of His savior. Our prayers are now for Josephine to be strengthened in the Lord.