Robert Allan "Bob" Paulson

Robert Allan Paulson (Bob), 90, died peacefully at home in Knoxville, TN, on May 22, 2022, surrounded by his family and his beloved Cocoa, his service dog for the past three years.
Bob was born in Cleveland, OH, on January 25, 1932, to the late Edward Ellis Paulson, Sr., and Martha Theresa (Larder) Paulson. He graduated from Brecksville High School, Breaksville, OH in 1950, and immediately began a lengthy career with the various Bell Telephone and Telegraph Companies. He proudly served as an Electrician in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict (1950-54), returning to Ohio Bell thereafter. Utilizing the GI-Bill, Bob attended Fenn College in Cleveland, OH (n/k/a Cleveland State University). He later transferred to Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, OH (n/k/a Baldwin Wallace University), to continue his studies in Business Administration. He met his future bride in the Chancel Choir of the Berea Methodist Church. Bob had the most beautiful baritone voice, and he also used that talent to sing in the Bach Festival Chorus at the College. Having a love for sacred pipe organ music, he was also active on the Pipe Organ Acquisition Committee at the church. In 1961, Bob was elevated to Master Mason in the Theodore Breck Lodge #714 of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, Brecksviile, OH, just as his father and older brothers before him. In 2021, he was honored as a 60-yr Master Mason by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Florida from 1980-2022. After more than four years as "a couple," Bob and Barbara were married in the Madison Methodist Church in Madison, NJ (home of Drew University) on July 1, 1967, officiated by Barb's dad (The Rev Paul N Jewett) and the Senior Pastor of the Church (The Rev Dr Robert B Goodwin). Shortly thereafter, Bob transferred within the Bell System to New Jersey Bell where he was an Estimate Layout Assigner. In 1969, Bob and his young family transferred again within the Bell System to Southern Bell in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to be near his father who had been alone since the death of Bob's mother in 1965. Throughout the years with Bell South (the new name following divestiture of the Bell System), Bob worked with multiple computer systems as a Data Base Manager and other such positions. In 1985, he transferred to Jacksonville, FL, where he finally retired in 1991. Bob could not stay retired long. Within a year, he accepted a position as a Computer Support Analyst in the Financial Aid Office of the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. During his many years as a United Methodist, Bob was active in the local church, serving in multiple positions including as a member of the choir and various Adult Sunday School Classes, church treasurer, in local missions, and as Lay Delegate to Annual Conference. While working on local mission projects in Jacksonville, FL, Bob took a special interest in helping to repair homes for the Appalachian Service Project in eastern Kentucky. As his interest grew, Bob began a real estate investment business in Florida, wherein he acquired and renovated homes in foreclosure and disrepair, and then sold those homes to individuals who might not otherwise be able to acquire the American Dream of home ownership. Following his retirement from the Florida State University in 2006, he and Barb moved to Knoxville, TN, hoping to continue his retirement years serving in the local church and expanding his real estate investment ventures. Unfortunately, God had other plans for him. Soon after arriving in Knoxville in 2007, Bob began to be diagnosed with multiple complex medical issues curtailing his ability to fulfill his retirement dreams. Following a lengthy final illness, with Cocoa constantly by his side, Bob was welcomed into the loving arms of his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Bob was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Jewett) Paulson; two sons, Robert A Paulson, Jr (Robb), and wife (Charlene), Richard S Paulson (Rick), and wife (Signe); four granddaughters (Kaitlyn Renae Crohan, Sidney Kristine Paulson, Gabrielle Maria Paulson, and Emma Rebecca Jewett Paulson); one great-granddaughter (Addison Charlotte Crohan); two older brothers (Edward Ellis Paulson, Jr. and Louis Paulson), and many nieces and nephews. As a member of Church Street United Methodist Church since moving to Knoxville in 2007, Bob's love for music never diminished even though he could no longer be an active participant. He was also very supportive of the Building for Christ Capital Campaign when it became a priority in 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to Church Street United Methodist Church for the benefit of the Building for Christ Capital Campaign, the Church Music Program, or the Master Arts Series.
Receiving of Friends will be at Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN, on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, beginning at 7:00 pm, with Masonic services to follow at 8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life service will be in the Nave at Church Street United Methodist Church, 900 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, beginning at 11:00 am.
Graveside services will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN, in the Garden of Valor, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, beginning at 3:00 pm, with Military Honors to follow.
Arrangements by Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923