Rev. Dr. Paul Howard Easley Sr.

REVEREND DR. PAUL HOWARD EASLEY, SR.
Retired (Colonel) US Army
Retired Full Elder - The United Methodist Church
It is with profound sorrow and deep reverence that we announce the peaceful transition of REVEREND, DR. PAUL HOWARD EASLEY, SR., a towering figure of faith, military distinction, educational leadership, and tireless community service. His remarkable journey, spanning decades of dedication, leaves an indelible mark on all who were blessed to know him.
A Life of Extraordinary Service
Reverend Dr. Paul Howard Easley, Sr. was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on September 7, 1930, to Alexander Pamplin and Estella Allen Easley. He was one of seven children. His beloved parents, six siblings, and wives Sarita Payne Easley and Parnell Kelley-Easley preceded him in death.
His educational journey was extensive, starting with secondary education at Garnet High School in Charleston. He pursued undergraduate studies at West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Science with a concentration in Building Construction. His thirst for knowledge led him to profound theological studies, including:
• A Bachelor of Divinity degree in Religion from Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia.
• A Master of Divinity degree from Interdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia.
• A Master of Theological Service degree with a concentration in Psychology and Counseling from Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado.
• A Doctor of Ministry from Global Bible University, Baltimore, Maryland.
• Degrees from Erskine School of Religion, Due West, South Carolina.
He also received Certificates in Psychology and Counseling from various hospitals and Army Medical Centers, supplementing his profound spiritual education with specialized clinical pastoral education.
Distinguished Military Career
Reverend Easley's life was defined by a profound commitment to service, most notably through his distinguished career in the United States Army, from which he retired as a Colonel after over 23 years of dedicated duty (including four years enlisted). His valor was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals (Vietnam), the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Honor Medal 1st Class.
His military assignments took him across the globe, including two tours in the Republic of Korea and one in the Republic of Vietnam. He served in critical chaplaincy roles as a Hospital Brigade Chaplain, Senior Chaplain, Post Chaplain, and Assistant Post Chaplain in various locations, including Fort Chaffee, Arkansas; the Republic of Korea; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Slocum, New York; Fort Hamilton, New York; Staten Island, New York; the Republic of Vietnam; and the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also served as I Corps Chaplain.
A true innovator within the Chaplain Corps, he was instrumental as the first personnel assigned to organize the Army's first Correctional Training Facility for Military Inmates at Fort Riley, Kansas, and the Army's Drug Treatment Center at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. A testament to his trailblazing spirit, he was also the second Chaplain appointed and the first African-American appointed as "Colonel" of the Regiment of the United States Army Chaplain Corps (1993-1996). Reverend Easley was inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame at West Virginia State University (WVSU) as part of the 1986 induction class. While he has been a consistent supporter of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, his ROTC Hall of Fame induction was specifically at WVSU in Institute, West Virginia.
A Devoted Man of God and Educator
When Rev. Easley first stepped onto the campus of then-Clark College in 1980 as Campus Minister, few could have imagined the legacy he would leave behind. His ministry, deeply rooted in compassion, presence, and joyful spirit, spanned a pivotal era in the school's history-one that saw Clark College become Clark Atlanta University. With this transformation, he stepped seamlessly into the role of University Chaplain, ministering not only to the minds and hearts of the student body but to the faculty, staff and alumni.
Rev. Easley's influence reached far beyond the chapel. He was a familiar face at athletic games, band practices, student meetings, and in classrooms-teaching freshman orientation and mentoring student leaders. He didn't just serve the students-he knew them. His signature laugh, warm smile, and heartfelt "God bless you" became a soundtrack to campus life.
He was honored many times, including CAU Yearbook dedications, but his true reward was connection. He rode the famous CC/CAU athletic bus in a support role to athletic and non-athletic events. Moreover, he was always visible at Homecoming, walking and waving along the parade route with unmistakable joy.
Rev. Easley also created the Inspirational Voices of Faith gospel choir, which drew students from Spelman, Morehouse, and Morris Brown to worship together in song. Even after retiring, he helped form the IVOF Alumni Society to raise book scholarship funds, and he remained an active CAU Athletics Booster.
Whether returning for Homecomings or staying in touch across the miles, Rev. Easley continued to uplift the CAU community. To generations of Panthers, he will always be "Rev," "Pops," and a beloved spiritual father whose legacy still echoes in the heart of the university.
He also continued his ministerial service as a pastor at Ben Hill United Methodist Church, Heck Chapel, Griffin, Georgia, and was an active supply minister at several Methodist Churches in the Georgia Conference. He remained a member of the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church and attended annual conferences in Buchannon, West Virginia. Reverend Easley and his beautiful bride visited Ben Hill UMC when Rev. Cornelius L. Henderson was Senior Pastor, having formed a great friendship while classmates at Gammon Theological Seminary. He enjoyed the service immensely and continued attending, eventually joining. Later, after completing a stellar career at Clark Atlanta as Chaplain, Rev. Easley joined the staff under then Senior Pastor, Rev. McAllister Hollins, and continued under Rev. Richard Winn. Reverend Easley was assigned Pastoral Care and Visitation. He mentored Rev. "TK" Kufarimai, and together they became "Good Trouble Partners." The two visited church members who were hospitalized in Metropolitan Atlanta, including Columbus and Macon. If someone was ill, they visited homes; in the event of a death of a member or immediate family, they would attend funerals.
Tireless Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Reverend Easley's extensive community involvement reflected his unwavering dedication to uplifting others. He served as Executive Secretary of the Branch YMCA, a Counselor at Bethlehem Youth Center in Atlanta, and a Migrant Minister for the Virginia Council of Churches. His passion for youth development led him to be a program leader for Branch Gray-Y programs with the Boy Scouts of America in Atlanta. He was also a compassionate Drug/Alcohol Counselor Facilitator at the Christian Counseling Center in Kansas City, Missouri. His civic leadership extended to serving as past president of Therrell High School P.T.S.A., a former board member of the Wesley Center and Volunteer Atlanta-United Way, and past Charter President of both the Atlanta University Optimist Club and the National Black Campus Ministers of the United Methodist Church. At the time of his passing, he remained a respected board member of the Center for Rehabilitative Technology of Georgia Institute of Technology, Churches Home Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Youth Hope Builders Academy.
Although their ages were several years apart, Rev. Paul Easley was led by his dedication to the call of God and his love for people. He was driven to always do his "Best". Paul Howard Easley, Sr. was full of life and saw the best in everyone. He sacrificed, contributing financially to assist others. His goal always – To Advance the Kingdom of God. Working with Rev. Easley, one could attest to the fact that he was a true Man of God. Reverend Easley's drive, dedication, and performance impressed everyone. He was very patient, he loved life, and he loved "Everybody". He never met a stranger, and you were guaranteed to laugh if you encountered Easley. After Dr. Easley retired from ministry, Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas (Senior Pastor) acknowledged and reverenced Rev. Easley, ensuring that he would continue being vital to Ben Hill.
Although Rev. Paul Howard Easley, Sr. had a very distinguished career, he remained humble and never wanted any accolades for anything he did. Not only did he give freely, but he spent many years supporting Most Ministries, if not all, at Ben Hill UMC. He spent several years taking hot food on Wednesday Night to the ailing Bishop and his wife, convalescing Seniors, feeding the homeless, and in September 2022, he not only supported the Water Mission to Jackson, MS, but he also paid for the majority of the 26-foot Penske Commercial Truck Rental for the over 760 miles round-trip carrying over 10,000 pounds of water, mega snacks, Clorox wipes, and hand sanitizer. In 2023, at the age of 92, he received an Award for Helping all Ministries (with special interest in Jewels and Partners). Social Concerns renamed the Award in 2024 the Rev. Dr. Paul Howard Easley, Sr. Award. He attended the ceremony to present the award to the first recipient, Mr. Jeff Greene. In 2025, Rev. Easley was presented with the Unsung Hero Award. A lifetime of sharing, caring, giving, and loving on everyone. God sent us an Unsung Angel Hero. Rev. Dr. (Ret.) Colonel Paul Howard Easley, Sr., We Will Forever Salute you at the Hill.
Broader Impact and Recognition
Reverend Easley's impactful life earned him numerous non-military distinctions. He was invited to the White House by President Bill Clinton as part of a group of clergy who contributed to the development of what became "Health Care Reform." He also served five terms as a member of the World Methodist Council, representing the CME Church at World Methodist Conferences in Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Brighton, England.
He received the Omega Psi Phi Distinguished Student award from West Virginia State College in 1954, "Chaplain of the Year in Corrections" in 1974, and induction into the Henry Highland Garnet Hall of Fame in 1991. He was a proud member of the Prince Hall Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Military Chaplains Association, Certified Correctional Chaplain, Institute for Religion and Mental Health, Clinical Pastoral Education Association, Study for Afro-American Life, Black Methodist for Church Renewal, American Correctional Association, Protestant Correctional Chaplains Association, NAACP, S.C.L.C., National Campus Ministers, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Enduring Legacy
He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his profound wisdom, his compassionate heart, and his groundbreaking contributions to both his country and his community. He is described as having a strong joy for family. Celebrating his life, his legacy of service and inspiration will continue to resonate for generations through three children, Paul H. "PJ" Easley, Jr, Verita Jean Easley Green, David Allen Easley, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepdaughter RaNelle Arnelle Kelly, step-grandchildren and great step-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews and his beloved community.
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