Paul Leroy Durnell

Paul Leroy Durnell obituary, Blairsville, GA

Paul Leroy Durnell

Upcoming Events

Sep

16

Memorial service

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fellowship of the Hills

Send Flowers

Sep

17

Graveside service

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Georgia National Cemetery

1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114

Send Flowers

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.

Paul Durnell Obituary

Visit the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home – Blairsville Chapel website to view the full obituary.

On September 3rd, 2025, Paul Leroy Durnell went to be with his Lord and Savior. Born on January 25, 1947, in San Pedro, California, Paul dedicated his life to serving his country and community, leaving a remarkable legacy of commitment, courage, and compassion.

Paul was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he honed his skills as a marksman and served with honor, earning several commendations, including the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, he spent 25 years as a dedicated Sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department, exemplifying a commitment to keeping his community safe. Paul also had a successful 20-year career as a Real Estate Agent.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Durnell; daughter Tricia (Craig) Tyner; son Chris (Suzan) Durnell; brother Dale Durnell; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Durnell Sr. and Violet Wilkerson Durnell; and brother, Bill Durnell.

Paul was a cherished member of the Fellowship of the Hills, where he found joy and fellowship among friends who became family. He had a passion for fishing, golfing, and traveling.

In light of his remarkable life, we invite all who loved Paul to honor his memory. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 16th at 1:00 pm at Fellowship of the Hills. Inurnment will take place at Georgia National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 17th at 1:30 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home – Blairsville Chapel

41 Hunt-Martin St P.O. Box 338, Blairsville, GA 30514

How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Paul Durnell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Sep

16

Memorial service

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fellowship of the Hills

Send Flowers

Sep

17

Graveside service

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Georgia National Cemetery

1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114

Send Flowers

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.