Paul Douglas Kellum

Paul Douglas Kellum was born on November 26, 1959, in Presque Isle, Maine, to Jimmie Leroy and Elsie Mae Kellum. He passed away on July 6, 2026, in Sugar Land, Texas.

Paul built his life on family, determination, and a strong will that those who loved him knew well. He was stubborn as a mule, the life of the party, and had a laugh you never forgot once you heard it. He had a big bark but not much bite, well most of the time. Those who knew him best knew that beneath the hard exterior was a kind and generous heart. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, though he might give you a hard time while doing it.

On March 17, 1978, Paul married the love of his life, Julia Faye Cernoch. Their love story began with a milk and pack of Oreos. Paul saw her working at the commissary and couldn’t get her out of his mind. He went back the next day with a plan and stood in her line—the longest one—with a milk and pack of Oreos. He was going to ask her to go dancing, already determined that if she said no, he would come back every day until she said yes. He didn’t have to. She said yes the first time. They went dancing, fell in love, and spent nearly 47 years building a life and family together.

Like everyone else, Paul loved Julie’s cooking, especially her fried chicken, although he would have been quick to point out that when it came to smoked chicken, he had her beat. Whether everyone agreed with him or not was beside the point.

He had a strong knowledge of history and horticulture and was always willing to share what he knew, each time like it was the first time.

He also had a particular talent for announcing projects. When Paul said he was going to do something, there was a pretty good chance someone else was about to find themselves with a project.

An injury early in Paul’s life changed the way he moved through the world, but it didn’t take away his determination, independence, or sense of humor. Especially in those early years, he found ways to turn obstacles into stories his family and friends will tell for years.

He refused to allow his wheelchair to keep him from enjoying life, often using it to his advantage. He could hustle a pool table with one arm and from a wheelchair. He was always down for a wheelchair race, and his competitive streak meant a simple trip could often turn into an unexpected adventure.

He knew every back road and always seemed to know a road, shortcut, or alternate way to get just about anywhere, despite what the GPS said. A drive with him did not always mean taking the fastest route or the route anyone else would have chosen, but he knew exactly where he was going—or at least was convincing enough to make everyone else believe he did. We always made it home, eventually.

Paul was a devoted father to his three children and a proud Papa to his five grandchildren. His family was an important part of his life, and the memories they shared with him will be cherished for generations to come.

Paul spent cherished time with Julia, visiting casinos, playing poker at the VFW, and enjoying the simple beauty of nature from their back porch, where they watched deer and hummingbirds together. After nearly five decades side by side, the loss of Julia was deeply felt.

Faith in the Lord was an important part of Paul’s life. Through the challenges he faced, his faith kept him going and gave him hope in the promise of something better on the other side. And now, we find comfort in knowing he has finally found it.

He will be missed. But he will be remembered by his laugh, the stories that will continue to be told, the laughs that will carry on for years to come, the projects he somehow managed to give everyone else, the back roads he knew to just about anywhere, and the determination with which he faced life’s challenges.

May Paul rest peacefully, reunited once again with his beloved Julia—and somewhere, perhaps, dancing with her once more.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Faye Kellum; his parents, Jimmie Leroy and Elsie Mae Kellum; and his brothers, Jimmy Lee Kellum, Billy Wayne Kellum, Daniel “Danny” Price Kellum, and Ricky Dean Kellum.

He is survived by his children, Jimmie LeRoy Kellum (Dianna), Jennifer LeAnn Brewer (Mark), and Alisha Gayle Kellum; and his grandchildren, Austin Brewer (Yuliana), Abilene Brewer, Jacalynn Kellum, Conner Lynn, and Jackson Kellum. He also leaves behind his sisters, Joyce Ward, Carolyn Green (Clayton), and Donna Maddox (John); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close family friends.

Memorial services for Paul Douglas Kellum were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel.