Paul Werner Roethlinger Jr.

Paul Werner Roethlinger, Jr., 72, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones

on January 4, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and man of deep faith whose

life was marked by music, devotion to his family, friends, and service to others. He was born on

June 3, 1953, to the late Paul (Pat) Werner Roethlinger, Sr. and late Mattie Anne Cuddington

Roethlinger of Wilmington, NC.

Paul grew up in coastal Wilmington, NC and graduated from New Hanover High School in 1971.

As a child, Paul enjoyed fishing and camping with family often frying the day's catch for dinner.

When Paul was 14 years old, his father bought him his first guitar and quickly realized Paul had

talent after going to see him perform at the local pizza joint where he played for tips. This self-

taught musician and vocalist grew to become a gifted and respected member of several bands in

the 1970s and '80s, the most notable of which were Sidewinder, Secondwind, Creekwood, and

Choice. Music remained a lifelong calling for Paul, ultimately becoming an extension of his

faith. He was a longtime, active member at Mount Pisgah Church where he served on various

committees, but his passion was working as a well-loved counselor for the Whobodies youth

group for 13 years. Paul taught young people how to worship God through music, and he toured

with them as they traveled sharing the gospel through musical productions. Additionally, he

served as a committed worship leader at the church where his heart for worship, extraordinary

musical talents, and his steady presence touched countless lives. His faith was strong and

unwavering, guiding how he lived, loved, and served those around him. He never met a stranger

and had an uncanny ability to make anyone feel completely at ease.

Paul completed an Associates degree in Business Administration at Cape Fear Community

College and all courses for the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) CPM designation.

His professional career started in property management as a leasing agent. Through quick

promotion, Paul rose to his final role as Executive Vice President for Sunchase American. Paul

also served on the Board of Directors for the Triad Apartment Association of North Carolina. His

accomplishments were many, but his favorite project was the major rehabilitation of a 125-year-

old mill. The historic mill project (Morganton Trading Company) received several awards for

Best Adaptive Re-use and currently houses the city offices of Morganton, NC, and residential

units.

Paul was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in those he loved most, especially

Connie, his wife of 51 years. His face truly lit up in the presence of his children and

grandchildren. His talent and love for music was passed on to his children and was always the

center of their lives. No family gathering felt complete without Paul picking up his guitar and

singing "Rocky Raccoon." Paul's favorite hobbies included golfing, hiking, and fireside chats

sipping the finest Scotch. His humor was well-timed, his laughter was contagious, and his love

was faithful. Paul cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, and his legacy lives on

through the generations he loved so deeply.

Among those left to cherish Paul's memory are his wife, Constance "Connie" Roethlinger; his

daughter, Candice Roethlinger Zaragoza, husband Javier, and their daughter, Sophia; and, his

son, Erik Roethlinger, wife Sarah, and their children, Vera and Parker. He is also survived by

four siblings and three siblings-in-law: Sharon Shannon (Robert), Kathryn Swart (Michael),

Philip Roethlinger, and Patrick Roethlinger (Terri); sister-in-law Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Poythress;

brothers-in-law David Poythress II (Nancy) and Scott Poythress (Robin); and numerous nieces,

nephews, cousins, and friends.

Paul will be remembered for his warm and welcoming spirit and steadfast faith, his sharp

intellect, his gift of music, and the quiet strength with which he walked through life. His example

of worship, love, and devotion will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Mount Pisgah Church on Saturday, January 31st at

2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in memory of Paul Roethlinger to the

following organizations:

Mount Pisgah Church

2600 Pisgah Church Rd.

Greensboro, NC 27455

mypisgah.church

Glioblastoma Foundation

glioblastomafoundation.org