Paul Gene Risinger, 85, of Shelbyville, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Monday, Dec. 25, 2023.
Paul was born April 1, 1938, in a Milam, Texas, log house to Oscar Paul Parrish and Gertrude Reynolds.
After graduating in the second class of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, he briefly worked in Houston before joining the Marines from 1956 to 1959 at Camp Pendleton in California. He was in the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, India Company as an expert rifleman, expert sharpshooter, good conduct medal, and was an honor guard in the 1959 Rose Bowl parade.
Paul then worked as a chemical analyst for DuPont in Orange in 1961, where he worked until retiring in 1991. While working at DuPont, he volunteered as a deputy constable and in the sheriff’s department for Orange County, and served on the committee that approved and oversaw the DuPont Employee Recreation Association — where he played golf and toured other courses around the state.
After retiring from DuPont, he moved to Shelby County in 1991 where he and wife Sandy operated a shrimp boat out of Kemah, Galveston, and Sabine Pass from 1996 until around 1999. During that time, they also owned and operated the Dairy Cream in Shelbyville for about six years until finally settling down to enjoy retirement traveling, hunting and fishing.
Paul enjoyed reading (especially the works of Louis L’Amour), watching the news and western movies, fishing and hunting, and talking about family history. He held life memberships in the North American Fishing and Hunting Club, Texas State Rifle Association, National Rifle Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and VFW Auxiliary 8904 where he was a trustee and honor guard. He was also volunteer fireman in Shelbyville.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father, adopted father Nath Risinger, son Rory Risinger Sr. of San Augustine, daughter-in-law Tammy Risinger of Six Mile, son-in-law Paul Chisum of Orange, granddaughter Constance Chisum of Orange, grandson Ryan Paul Risinger of Six Mile; and his best friends James Broussard, Tommy Brown, and Max Latham.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years Sandy; half-brother, James Ray Risinger and wife Mary Kay of East Hamilton; sons Brian Kyle and wife Sherry of Lone Star, Bobby Kyle and wife Cindy of Huntsville, and Kris Risinger of Shelbyville; daughters Ramona Chisum of Orange, Rebecca Green of Huntsville, and Robyn Soto and husband, Rafael of Broaddus; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and best friends Don Hubbard and wife Judy of Orange, Tommy Cox of East Hamilton, Ida Broussard of Hemphill, Johnny Verrett of Buna, Bruce Bishop and wife Thelma Ruth of Orange, and Carman Baker of Orange.
The funeral service will be at Heritage Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville on Friday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. The burial will follow at the Mayes addition of Oakwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kris Risinger, Brian Kyle, Bobby Kyle, Stephen Green, Andrew Broussard, and David Broussard. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Green and Korbin Layne Risinger.
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