Paul Randall Funk

Paul Randall Funk, age 81 passed away Friday, September 4,2026 at his home. Paul was born on January 27,1945 to his parents the late Ovis Virgil Funk and Bonnie Lee Dillon Funk. He was the husband of the late Marilyn Sledgister Funk. Paul was baptized and a member of the Phyllis Church of Christ. He served in the Big Red One division of the US Army in the 1964-1965 where he was awarded the bronze star and a purple heart. He was a lifelong member of the United Mine Workers of America.

Along with his wife and parents, Paul was proceeded in death by four brothers, Leonard Ray Kesterson, William Kesterson, Michael Dan Funk, Bobby Kyle Kesterson, and seven sisters, Mary Ethel Anderson, Madge Marie Sheldon, Wanda Nadine Dudley, Beulah Claudet Hurley, Wilma Ann Bishop, Betty Lou Taylor, and a special sister, Stella Williams.

Paul is survived by one son Paul Vincent Funk (Georgia) and one daughter, Kristina Klabel Stratton (the late Windell Douglas Stratton) and a special stepson Wade Presley who helped take care of him in the end. Also, three grandchildren, Kasey Marie Funk, Brashears (Doug), Windell David Stratton (Angel), and Randall Blake Funk (Hannah), and a special granddaughter Madison Presley. He had three great grandchildren, Adalyn Marie Brashears, Sophia Claire Brashears, and Amelia Rose Brashears. He had a very special woman in his life, Jody Lynn Presley that stood by his side through all of his illness, caring for and keeping him comfortable. A host of loving family and friends including Pageant Roberts that would help take care of him when he wasn't able to get up and do for himself. He was a retired electrician in the coal mines by trade, Vietnam Veteran and always a loving providing father, husband, brother, uncle, and papaw to so many.

Paul had some special nephews that he spent a lot of time with and taught to hunt and fish. Three stand out that would camp and hunt with him all throughout their adolescent years, Jerry and Eddie Hurley and Kenneth Taylor. He fished with all of which often said he was like a dad to them. Dad always took interest in my friends throughout my life. He would always advise and guide them. One always stood out and said was my little brother, Craig Justice. He rescued him from a ditch one night but that's a story for another time.

Dad was a strong silent man when it was possible. He loved deeply and was a protector. He didn't let us whine around when life got hard. He said get over it or let it go but complaining doesn't help. I always said he had his heart in one hand and a fist in the other. You got what he thought you deserved. He taught me at a young age to be helpful to my neighbors. To protect those that can't protect themselves and walk away from trouble any time you can. He was very strict on caring for people less fortunate and standing up for the ones you love. He fixed cars, washers, dryers, lawnmowers, etc.., for many people never charging anyone.

Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was strict on the laws on the land and with that being said, I have told a story he swore me not to ever tell, but now I can. The mines where he worked was on strike and times were getting a little tight. Dad took me and my Gelnfied Marlin .22 and we hit the hills. There it was, a doe standing about 25 yards away and he drew, then shot. Dropping the deer with one shot to the head. That's when we heard the airplane. He said, get over here and lay on it so they don't see us. We bagged up the meat and headed home. He said never poach but when times get hard you have to be able to provide, and this was necessary.

He taught so many life lessons and shared many stories throughout his life that will be told for years to come. He was a legacy and hero in his own time. His memory will carry on with generations.

Visitation will be at 6 pm Sunday 09/06/2026, at Lucas & Son Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 1 pm Monday 09/07/2026, at Lucas & Son Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Annie E. Young Cemetery.

Evening service officiating, Bryant Justice and Dewayne Abshire

Funeral Service officiating, Buddy Ford and Chester Varney

Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Hurley, Eddie Hurley, Kenneth Taylor, Wade Presley, and Dakota Miller

Pallbearers: Paul Funk, Craig Justice, Blake Funk, Kasey Brashears Funk, David Stratton, Doug Brashears, Angel Harris, and Hannah Funk