Robert Wayne Pauley Sr.

ROBERT WAYNE "BOB" PAULEY, SR., age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 13, 2025. He was born in Dunbar, WV, and carried the warmth and humility of his West Virginia roots everywhere he went. Bob leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and steady love.
Bob had a special place in his heart for Christmas. It was his favorite time of year, a season of joy, family, and togetherness. He decorated with pride and excitement, filling his home with warmth and light. His joy for Christmas became a family tradition that will be felt every December.
He enjoyed sitting on the porch, telling stories, and being surrounded by the people he loved. He spent his life helping others, never asking for anything in return.
Bob shared nearly 67 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Nancy Jane (Lawrence) Pauley. Their anniversary on Christmas Eve was a perfect reflection of the love and magic they built together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Malley S. Pauley, Sr. and Gladys Myrtle Pauley, and his siblings, Malley S. Pauley, Jr., Richard Pauley, Calvin Pauley, Carson Pauley, Helen Downs, Mary Rehe, Jean Hedrick, and infant brother Clark.
Bob was a proud and loving father to four children, Robert Wayne Pauley, Jr. (Debbie), Robin Renee Crislip (Mitch), Steven Todd Pauley (Carrie), and Leslie Michelle Shamblin (Richard). He was a devoted grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather to a large and cherished family, including the following: Grandchildren: Mitchell L. Crislip II (Jamie), Kathy Middlebrook (Toby), Robert Pauley III (Jami), Richard Pauley (Sydney), Heather Jane Vance (Kenny), Jacob Richard Shamblin (Mallorie), Timothy Aaron Shamblin (Jamie), Cassadi Deann Dubois (Ryan), Caitlin Pauley, Mallie Grace Pauley, Jennifer Rose Jarrett (Chase), Zachary Pauley (Carolena), Steven Pauley Great Grandchildren: Hailey Michelle Crislip, Sydney Elizabeth Crislip, Olivia Hope Crislip, Isabella Kennedy Vance, Easton Mitchell Vance, Charlotte Amelia Vance, Carson Maverick Vance, Sophia Deann Dubois, Riley Anne Dubois, Madison Shamblin, Tristan Jacob Shamblin, Levi Richard Shamblin, Noah Allen Shamblin, Thea Michelle Shamblin, Phoebe Jean Shamblin, Josie Jarrett, Alexis Rose Underwood, Jackson Wade Middlebrooks, Hendrix Pearl Pauley, Harlan Pauley, Jonathan Wayne Pauley, Great Great Grandchildren: Cohen Mitchell Crislip, Kai Jax Eiseman.
Bob served honorably in the United States Army and later watched with pride as many in his family continued his tradition of military service.
More than anything, Bob will be remembered for his gentle spirit and the way he cared for others. He welcomed people with an open heart and lived with a quiet, steady kindness that left an impact on everyone who knew him.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved, especially each Christmas season, when the lights begin to glow and his spirit feels close again.
A Celebration of Bob's life will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12 p.m., at Abney Street Church of God, 617 Abney Street, St. Albans, WV 25177 with Pastor Steve Hewitt officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at 2 p.m., November 19, 2025, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV 25064. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro is assisting the Pauley family, and you may send condolences to the family at www.cookefuneralhome.com