Paul was currently employed as a Professor at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, MO, after earning his PhD in Cyber Security. He was a member of Westview Baptist Church in Swansea, IL. While he proudly served in the United States Army (Special Forces) for 12 years, he felt his greatest accomplishments were working at the Pentagon and teaching at the University.
Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and Papa to his grandkids. He loved traveling, hiking, horseback riding, and reading. Paul also loved teaching Sunday School, as his Bible knowledge was extensive, and he enjoyed digging into the historical facts.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy Gene and Barbara L, nee Cook, Gilliam, and his grandparents.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Cynthia A, nee Krupp, whom he married November 14, 1992 at Third Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO; two sons, Timothy (Deena) Gilliam and Randy (Dawn) Flach; three daughters; Anna (Jake) Howard, Amanda (Ryan) Saenz, and Karin (Brandon) Richardson; a sister, Patricia “Tish” (Gary) Schutte in Arlington, TX; 13 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Westview Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, or to Hope Ranch (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization expanding the quality of life through hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding services). Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2023, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2023, at Westview Baptist Church, 2500 Sullivan Drive, Swansea, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2023, at Westview Baptist Church.
Burial will be held at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery, Belleville, IL.