Paul Lee Brading

NEW BERN - Paul Lee Brading, Ph.D., "Doc Paul," passed away Friday, March 11, 2011, at Two Rivers Healthcare Trent Campus.

Doc Paul was born in Ashmore, Ill., and spent his childhood in St. Louis, Mo. In July of 1943 he joined the U.S. Army and was inducted in the 101st Infantry 26th Division. During WWII he served in France, Central Europe and Ardens. He was injured in Austria. Paul was awarded three Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. After being discharged from the Army, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was stationed at El Toro Air Base in California.

Paul graduated from Harris Teachers College in St. Louis and for many years taught elementary school there. He received his Masters Degree from Washington University, and his Ph.D. from The University of Southern California. He was an Associate Professor and Director of Medical Education at Albany Medical College of Union University in New York. Paul joined the staff of the Board of Medical Examiners in Philadelphia, Pa., in October of 1974 and worked with self-assessment programs at the continuing medical education level. Doc Paul gave a considerable amount of his time to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia Continuing Education Project.

In 1989, Paul and his wife Ann retired to Fairfield Harbour and he quickly became involved in his community. For many years Paul was the van coordinator for DAV Chapter 40, and was responsible for getting vets to their appointments at the VA hospital in Durham. Even when Paul became blind, every Monday he and his seeing eye dog, Unser, would volunteer at the Blinded Veterans Office of the VA Hospital and while there, he would make rounds to offer encouragement to the veterans. With Unser's help, he tirelessly worked to raise money for new vans for DAV Chapter 40. Ironically, Doc Paul's accomplishments were rarely noticed; the star attraction was always Unser. Paul amassed over 8,000 hours of volunteering which resulted in his being awarded the 2005 Disabled Veteran of the Year in New Bern. Paul was very proud of his awards and citations received from President George Bush and Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn. He was always busy with his "job" and working on his talking computer with his aides Ann and Unser always at his side. Paul belonged to the Vision Impaired Group which was directed by Social Services Director for the Blind, Lori Brault. He was taught Braille by Barbara Hansen.

Paul's parents, Bert E. Brading and Margaurite Hensley Brading, preceded him in death. His wife of 62 years, Ann, his brother Joseph, a nephew in Texas, and several nieces in St. Peters, Mo., survive him.

A memorial service to honor Paul's life will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at 12 noon at Cotten Funeral Home with Reverend Brian Huffman officiating. His final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to DAV Chapter 40, PO Box 13563, New Bern, NC 28561 to continue Doc Paul's efforts to raise money for the much needed new vans.

Doc Paul was a great humanitarian and he will be greatly missed for his professionalism, his kindness and his effervescent personality.

Online condolences may be made to the Brading family at cottenfuneralhome.com.

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