Paul Quinlan

After a brief illness, Paul Quinlan, 85, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully at Covenant Hospice on Monday, May 24th, 2021. He is survived by his daughters Michelle Dean, (Gregory) of Pensacola, Florida, Lindy Mehlhorn (Thomas) of Munich Germany, and Monica Wood (Brenda Coleman) of Pensacola Florida, a special daughter M. Lynn Reichler of Pensacola Florida, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Tommie Sue, their son Paul (Mike) Quinlan, his parents, Matthew and Helena Quinlan, and his brothers, Joseph, Dennis, and Richard Quinlan. Paul was a career military man. After joining the Navy in 1952, he met and married the love of his life, Tommie Sue, in 1954, at his first duty station in Pensacola, Florida. They were married over 60 years before she passed away. Paul went on to spend 32 years in the US Navy traveling the world while serving the country he loved. In the early years of his career, he was a proud member of the Navy boxing team. In the mid-1950s he won the novice Middle Weight Championship in the AAU finals. As a Parachute Rigger, he spent a lot of time on aircraft carriers. Long grey and underway as he was fond of saying. He also spent two tours of duty in Vietnam as a River Patrol Boat Captain. For his service while there, he was awarded a gold star in lieu of the second Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and two gold stars in lieu of the second and third Bronze Star Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device. He later served as a Detailer in Washington, D.C. and wrote the PR manuals and tests at the test center at Ellyson Field in Pensacola which was his last duty station, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He and Tommie spent the rest of their lives living in the dream house he had built and which soon became the family gathering spot. Birthdays, graduations, or just weekend pool parties were all celebrated at Papa and Grammy's house. After retiring, Paul enjoyed making clocks and woodworking, but his main passion was playing softball! He spent a lot of years playing 1st Base on city softball teams. His last team played in the Over 70 league where a knee injury ended his softball career. Paul wasn't just the head of the family, he was the rock. A pillar of support for family and friends. Now he has been reunited with his loving wife and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to ASPCA in Paul's memory. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Rosary will be recited at 5:00 PM by Don Krehely. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 1st at 11:30 am at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church, Bellview. Reverend Father Chuck Collins will be officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola at 1:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Darr Wood, Bobby Dean, Jason Cope, Matt Smith, Rico Chambers and Justin Wickes. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Paul Quinlan

July 15, 1935 - May 24, 2021