Paul Winston Thaxton

Paul Winston Thaxton, 79, of Roanoke, left the confines of his body on Monday, February 28, 2011, to take his place in Heaven. He will reunite with loved ones he had so missed, his parents; "the love of his life," wife, Marilyn S. Thaxton; dear friend of many years, Lloyd Fornish; and many friends. Paul leaves, for now, special friends and his God-line family; special friends, Millard and Freda Murphy, who shared vacation to the "The Big Water" of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, family gatherings and holidays for over 55 years. Special friends also include, Don Fortney, who along with a host of other friends spent a lot of fun-filled days four wheelin' over the 300-/+ acres known to them as "The Farm." Paul loved to travel, go fishing, work on any automobile engine and tell jokes from his endless supply. Paul retired from the N & S Rail Road in 1991 taking a life time of stories. The Paul most people knew was a fair and very direct man whose word you could depend on. The Paul his special friends and God-line family knew was a faithful, loving man who had a good number of years as a care giver to his mother, Grace Harris, and first wife, "First Love," Jeanette. Neighbor and good friend, Kurt Kipley, was always prepared to be there for Paul offering his help, visiting time and a good ear. Nieces, Ginger Murphy-Phillips and Candace Akers, became his care givers in 2009. They are forever grateful for the memories this time gave them. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Allen Blackwood, Dr. Alicia Hollis and their staff of Carilion Clinic Riverside 3, Gentle Shepherd Hospice and staff, Emeritus of Cave Spring and staff including Executive Director, Jenny, Office Manager, April, nursing staff including Barbara, Carolyn, Susan, Vickie, Ashland, Wendy, Mary, Lori, Heather, and all others. Special thanks to Pastor Willis Greenstreet III, Erin Murphy and Alex for their kindness. Paul will be missed always but we will all share his memories, jokes, his life lessons and the love he gave us. A service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2011, at the Abby in Sherwood Memorial Park with Pastor Willis Greenstreet II officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at Oakey's South Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Roanoke Valley SPCA, 1340 Baldwin Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24012. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.