Rick Paul

Rick (Richard Aldridge) Paul
4/26/1947 - 4/3/2025
Rick died peacefully in his sleep with his dog and best friend Jack by his side. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Hannah Nancy, son Dylan Richard (Carrie C.), grandson Zachary (Heather), and granddaughters Amani RobinJean, Finley Clifford and Kimmel Aldridge. He will be missed by his siblings Joan McDonald (Dan), twin brother Joe (Kay) and Bruce (Donna), as well as several nieces and nephews. Rick is mourned by Karen Hatter (Russell), co-parent of his children as well as his good friend.
Rick was born in Louisville to William Richard and Bonna Kelly Paul. He graduated from Bryan Station High School where he swam with the school team and had a barrel of fun fooling people with his identical twin Joe. They were mirror twins: Rick was left-handed and Joe right-handed, and they looked and sounded exactly alike. After high school, Rick tried his hand at college, attending Morehead State for a short time. He joined the Navy in 1967 and began the search for his niche in life after being discharged. He found it in cooking, primarily through the mentoring he received at Stanley Demos Coach House. He attended the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY, in 1974. After he graduated, he worked at several restaurants until he landed in Frankfort at The Bishop House in June 1978. In December the flood inundated that restaurant. He began searching again, landing at Rick's City Café on St. Clair Street, but his dream came true when he opened Rick's White Light Diner on Bridge Street at the Singing Bridge. His reputation soared with this successful Cajun-flavored adventure, including a visit from Guy Fieri and a segment on his TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, which brought him customers from around the world.
After his retirement, Rick became a close companion to his grandchildren. Daily he could be found in his white Lexus taking Finley to the horse barn, Amani to archery practice or Kimmel to swim. He faithfully attended their activities – horse shows, archery tournaments, swim and track meets. He was instrumental in raising grandson Zachary, attending every one of his theatre performances – both at Frankfort High School and at University of Louisville. Bottom line: Rick Paul was devoted to his children and grandchildren.
Whether you thought of him as famous or infamous, Rick was well known among Frankfortians. They came to The White Light to eat his food and "discuss" politics as Rick had strong opinions and was never hesitant to share them.
Rick was proud of his service in the United States Navy, and a private interment ceremony will be held at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. There will be a celebration of his life at the VFW local Post 4075, 104 East 2nd Street, on Saturday, May 17th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The family appreciates any contribution in his memory to support our local VFW.
Please join the family in donning your favorite Hawaiian shirt – or Harley Davidson apparel - and raising toasts to a true Frankfort celebrity – Rick Paul!