Paul Cornelius Tax

Rest in the arms of the Almighty God.

So sad to hear!

I was just looking Paul up today, as he had wrote he would visit me in Denmark this July. Now I started wondering why I have not hear more and then I read this sad news.

Paul and I worked together at Camp Cheerio, N.C in 1988 and had since meet both in Denmark and in Asheville. So 2009 became the last time we so each other.

Rest in Peace.

Thue Godiksen

He was an amazing person and I loved reffing with him. He brought a level of confidence to the field that I found soothing and he was always able to control the game. He was an amazing man that I will miss working with. He was always there to help whenever he could. I will keep his family in my prayers as he will be sorely missed.

Paul and I were class mates at STM, class of '80. We nicknamed him "Encyclopedia" because he was generally acknowledged as the smartest kid in the class. The only time I ever won anything at the annual STM science fair was the year that I teamed up with Paul. Haven't seen him in years and years, but when I saw that picture, the eyes and the smile were identical to the kid I knew back in the 70s. My heart goes out to his families in Asheville, Chapel Hill and beyond.
Joe Stumpf

I knew Paul by way of teaching his children at Claxton Elementary. I saw him a couple of months ago at a coffee shop, and he was is always friendly self. My deepest sympathies to his family, especially his children who were the light of his life.

Lieve familie, we zijn ontzettend geschrokken en diep bedroefd over het trieste nieuws van Pauls overlijden. Onvoorstelbaar zo aan de andere kant van de oceaan; zeker ook omdat wij onlangs nog een enthousiaste mail van hem hebben ontvangen over het bezoek van Paul aan Europa en ons in de zomer.
Wij wensen alle familie, tante Maria en oom Piet, Penny, alle kinderen en Jan, Frans, Wienke en Marieke in het bijzonder heel veel sterkte toe de komende tijd. In gedachten zijn we bij jullie!
Met veel liefs,
Anthony, Tineke, Max en Martijn

I knew Paul as a very young child, maybe four years old. He was a frequent playmate of my two children Kees and Lars. What is remarkable is that Paul's extremely kind character and gentleness with everyone was VERY evident in childhood and remained intact and glowing into the last part of his life.

Watching paul in his journey for mental, physical, spiritual and emotional growth this year was inspiring.
"Actions speak louder then words"
We shared this and his actions spoke daily. His kindness, GREAT GIFT GIVING abilities I will always cherish. I loved him deeply. His spirit will live in my memories forever.

I met Paul when I was 15 at St Thomas Moore CCD. I got to know him when he sponsored me through my Search weekend. Paul was the first boy to teach me about love and friendship. He´s had a place in my heart for 38 years. I will go to a mass tomorrow morning in CO as I can´t attend the service. I am keeping Penny and their 5 beautiful children in my heart praying for their comfort and peace. To Mr and Mrs. Tax my deepest condolences your son was truly a love and loved but you know this already. To Paul´s siblings I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can lift one another up knowing he is part of that ring forever and ever. Love Michele Milligan Lake

When I first saw Paul on a soccer field I thought he was my father in law. He could have been twins with my wife's dad. I enjoyed our synergy officiating matches. We soon learned how close we lived together. When he heard we were having a second child he sent us a very nice card and offered his help watching the kids anytime we needed. I regret not having the chance to get to know Paul better or take him up on his gracious offer. I will miss him.

Met Paul in Greensboro NC during the Girls Academy Soccer Showcase Apr 2024. Paul was my roommate at the assigned Hotel for two nights. Even though it was only for a very short time, Paul was very nice with a genuine smile. Paul you will be missed. Rest in Peace.

I met Paul once or twice while visiting Maria and Piet at home. He had their same gentle and kind spirit. Sympathies to the family on behalf of St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill.

I knew the name before I knew the man, and the description of Paul was so glowing that I knew we would be in great hands with Paul providing counsel & leadership as a Team Manager, and as a Board Member. Indeed...that's exactly how it played out. Paul was so generous of his time, energy, and knowledge, so kind in his mannerisms, and so good with words. He was a servant leader, and I was blessed that our lives crossed. Condolences to the Tax family. Write Paul's accomplishments in stone, and any disappointments in the sand. God bless!

I send condolences and peace to Paul´s family and friends. I briefly met and got to know Paul as he joined the Blue Ridge Public Radio Community Advisory Board. His kindness and appreciation and hand written thank you notes were so effusive. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Paul was such a sweet man. I'm so glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. He touched many souls, and now can touch many more. Rest in peace my Dutch friend! Praying for his family to find peace during this trying time.

I talked with Paul a few times at various Vaya events over the years. He always lit up a room, and was just such a joy to be around. Even over email, he conveyed his kindness and compassion for others. He was a wonderful person. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Just know that he was very loved by all who knew him. <3

Paul was an outstanding colleague and a genuine friend. He led with integrity and kindness - followed closely with compassion and a fantastic sense of humor. He is and will be greatly missed. I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who mourn his passing.

Paul was such an amazing man, and I feel honored to have known him as I did. I
met Paul more than 15 years ago when I was a contract administrator with SMC and he was the new interim CEO for one of our venders. We met because I had to hold his company responsible for not fulfilling the contract objectives. Turns out I didn't need to. I presented the data and before I could say anything, he said that it was clear that they weren't doing what they were supposed to and that they needed to pay us back most of the money that they'd received to date, simply stating what he had determined was the right thing to do. I have NEVER known another business owner to simply volunteer that with such clarity and speed. His sense of ethics and integrity was clearly a part of his north star toward which he steadfastly pointed his feet. I will be consciously working to bring his example of integrity, positivity and sunshine into the world every day in his memory...just to put a little bit of Paul energy back out into this hurting world. What a beautiful example of being a wonderful human with amazing integrity, heart and soul he was.

Deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Paul at Blue Ridge Center many years ago. I learned a lot from his generosity of spirit and financial ways of public funding.

I want to send my condolences to the Tax family. I knew Paul for 1 year and through that time Paul has gain a spot close to my heart. Paul was one of the talent recruiters that interviewed me and I bet I had his vote for the reason I was hired. He also trained when he had time from his busy schedule to ensure I knew my job requirements and the laws on how to proceed with how I may approach the other party. Paul taught me a lot and I will forever apply those principles to my work ethic. I will miss hearing Paul and his unique way of explaining his theory on a subject. This is a great tragedy for anyone that ever knew Paul Tax. Sincerely Lakisha Hall

I met Paul this year. I was just getting to know this wonderful man that you all knew and loved . After my brief stint of knowing him, he will surely be missed, I can not fathom the pain his family and long time friends are enduring . May we all somehow, in due time , find peace .

So sad to loss the light of Paul's gentle, kind and loving heart this earthly journey. He will never be forgotten. Thank you Paul for all you did and who you were to so many genuinely loving. To your family I send my love and prayers. I would love to know when the celebration of life would be. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the Mass. I will be going to mass that morning for Paul and you his amazing family.

I am shocked and saddened by Paul's passing. I worked with Paul on a recent project at Vaya and found him to be quite kind, authentic and entertaining. I pray for the family as you adjust to this difficult time and profound loss.

I´ve known Paul for many years, first from his time at Blue Ridge Center years ago and then at VAYA Health. He has always been so kind, generous, thoughtful and funny. He was always willing to help and has always been quick witted and generous with his kindness or compliments. He sent a thoughtful card to me years ago when my position shifted due to reorganization and again recently when I left VAYA. He was like that with everyone and was well loved and respected by everyone at work. He was such a great person. My heart goes out to his family as you all grapple with his sudden and all too soon passing.

Paul and I started working at Vaya on the same day in 2012. He was my supervisor for many years and became more of a mentor than he ever knew. He was a kind, positive, intelligent, and deeply compassionate person. I will always be thankful that I met him and had the privilege of working with him. My deepest condolences to his family. His loss will be felt by many as he was truly a positive force here on Earth.

I worked with Paul at Vaya. He was solid, kind and well respected. Deep, sincere condolences to his family and dear friends.

I got to know Paul when I came to Vaya 12 years ago. We sat next to each other at a corporate event and we began to talk. It was so easy to talk to Paul and he was always so pleasant and had so many interesting life stories to tell. As a co-worker he was always willing to help and was always encouraging and quick to compliment one. This world is a much sadder place without Paul. Condolences to his family.

I know Paul as a fellow soccer referee. He and I worked together many times. We roomed together in Gatlinburg for a tournament and talked at length there.
I fell in with his "cabin" in the mountains as the renovation assistant and enjoyed sharing his visions.

There are so many memories on the field and off to share about Paul. Several years while working together at Vaya Health he recruited me to ref as my coaching career came to a halt. Since then he always sent thoughtful cards during birthdays and especially during a hard time this fall when my mother passed. Paul had words of wisdom, inspired new thoughts, and challenged me to be a better person all around. During tournaments we shared many memories over a fire talking about awesome plays from a match that day or which fan has the most interesting off color comment to point in our direction. Love ya Taxman and we´re going to miss you. Heaven gained an absolute legend of an angel.

I was so sorry to hear of Paul´s passing. He was a kind, wonderful man and my heart aches for your wonderful family-Penny, Willem, Emma, Grace, Lucy, & Mary. I´m praying for peace and grace for all of you.

I had the pleasure of working with Paul for more that 6 years. Paul was a calm and kind man, who was truly an asset to our organization. He will be truly missed.

I worked with Paul for more than 6 years. He was such a kind and calm soul, and he was instrumental in the success of our company. He will be truly missed.

Running into Paul at the Buncombe County Sports Park after my son's soccer practice with ABYSA. My son just started playing soccer, but I thought one day he would have Paul as a referee.

Paul was my co-worker at Vaya Health and acted as a great resource due to his wealth of knowledge.

I am so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. I will remember him as a thoughtful, gentle person and a wonderful father. I am certain he will be missed terribly. May he rest peacefully with Jesus and may each of you feel our love and prayers as you grieve this large loss.

What a Great Man. Paul always had a shoulder, a smile, or a surprise card in the mail. An amazing positive force. So much love to the family in this horrible time.

He was the friendliest guy, no one could help but instantly like him. Even though we'd only see each other a few times a year, he would check up on me about every month just to be sure everything was going well and to try to find out the next time we'd see each other.