Paul Eugene Hartsell, Sr.

Paul Eugene Hartsell, Sr., 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 5, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of the Lord. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet Ellis Hartsell; his son, Paul Hartsell, Jr.; his daughter, Lisa Roberts and her husband, David; his grandson, Jacob Roberts and his wife, Hannah; and his great-grandson, Alexander Roberts. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry (Mary), Clyde (Alice) and Robert (Ann); his sister, Beverly; and numerous other family members and friends who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie C. Hartsell and Bessie Louise Turner Hartsell; and his brothers, Lawrence, Johnny, James and Lonnie

Paul surrendered his life to Jesus as an adult and was a faithful member of Broadway Baptist Church for 35 years. He faithfully served the church as a deacon, an usher, and in the food pantry. He was always looking for ways to quietly be a blessing to someone who was in need.

Paul believed in honest, hard work and spent his career providing faithfully for his family. He began working with his father in Commercial Fishing as a teenager, and that strong work ethic continued throughout his adult life through his work at The Progress-Index, as a Commercial Fisherman, and at Honeywell, where he retired in 2003. His favorite job came after he retired, drinking coffee behind the counter at West End Service Center and spending countless hours with his grandson, Jacob.

Paul always had a special love for children, and he could often be found right in the middle of whatever game they were playing. He loved fishing, playing sports, card games, exercising, and listening to Elvis Presley. Stories will be told for generations to come of his humor, generosity, and devotion to his family, all stemming from his love of Jesus.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 802 W. Broadway, Hopewell, VA 23860 on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.

While he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant", and that they will see him again.