Lacy F. Paulette Jr.

Lacy was an extraordinary friend and mentor to me as a young man in the 1970's at First Baptist. Lacy's compassion and encouragement were so helpful. He set a strong example of how a Christian man should live, even under adversity. My heart goes out to Ruth, Faith, Pam (with whom we were close when she was a teenager), and other family members and to others of us who have lost his good counsel. We know, however, he fought the good fight and is with his Lord.

To all the family,

I want you to know the warm memories of Lacy I retain from the late 1960s while still in high school growing up in Albemarle County. Dale Hamilton organized a witnessing team which studied the principles of 'Evangelism Explosion' by D. James Kennedy and then went out into the byways to put those lessons into practice. You would not be surprised to learn that Lacy was right in the thick of it, mentoring and encouraging the young guys like me and Roy Thomas. I knew Lacy as wonderfully affirming and loving, with a genuine joy in the LORD Jesus Christ that sustained him through daily adversity and overflowed to many others. Even after I left the area and came back home decades after those school age years, upon seeing Lacy at church, he would not fail to greet me with one of his patented hugs and engage me in earnest exchange. What a delight it will be savoring the beauty and supremacy of Christ with Lacy at His Place in countless ages to come as together we make known the amazing grace with which He sought us and made us His Own.

Ruth and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. There was not a sweeter man than Lacy Paulette. He was loved by many and will be missed by many. He always made me feel so special with his kind words, the smile on his face and that hug of his. He never came into the bank that he didn't come by my desk to see me. Please know that you are in our prayers.

I worked for Mr. Paulette in the late 1970's as a bookkeeper at H M Gleason and Company. He was such a very fair man and always treated me with the highest respect. I too remember his hugs. His love and the pride he had in his children is something that I remember being outstanding about him. He did love his family, that is for sure. May you all rest in God's care.

While I am saddened by Uncle Lacy's departure, I am buoyed by all the wonderful memories I had knowing him for the past 60+ years and will carry those memories with me for the rest of my life. Lacy Paulette was a very special person, and one who brought joy and a smile to all who met him. We are all richer for having had him in our lives. He was an inspiration and the way he lived his life set the bar higher for the rest of us.

Faith,
I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family during this time of loss.

All our love, always.

Dear Faith and Family: I am saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. I remember when he came to preach at Liberty Church in Stony Point years ago. He was such a nice man and a good teacher. I remember when I asked him if he was your dad, his face lit up proudly. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie