Born in Dallas, Texas, Paul graduated from high school in June of 1940, and then attended Southern Methodist University until he was drafted in December of 1942. He entered service January 15, 1943 and was sent to Riverside, California for anti-aircraft training. He was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program at Arkansas State College in Jonesboro, Arkansas, before the military ended the program. Paul was sent to the Pacific as part of the 803^rd Army Marine Ship Repair Company. After the war he returned to San Francisco aboard the USS Admiral Hughes (AP-124), along with 4,000 troops. Paul was discharged as a Sergeant T5. He went to work for Sears & Roebuck Company, and retired in 1984. He has engaged in extensive volunteer work, including a prison ministry program.