Paul D. Grayson

Graveside services for Paul D. Grayson will be held Monday, February 12, 2024 at 2 p.m. from Union Hill Church Cemetery in DeKalb, MS with Rev. Chris Gully officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, February 12, 2024 from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home. Mr. Grayson, 84, of Dekalb, died Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Ochsner Stennis Hospital in Dekalb, MS. Mr. Paul was born and raised in Jones County, MS and a graduate of SoSo High School and Jones Jr. College. After graduation, he went to work in the furniture manufacturing industry, where he worked with what would become his future brother-in-law, Robert Weaver, of Gholson, MS. After meeting and marrying his wife Jean in 1962, he went on to several leadership roles in the furniture manufacturing industry. He moved with his family to Kemper County and worked at Georgia Pacific in Louisville, MS before starting his own business, Grayson Construction. He was a proud member of the U.S. Army. At age 36, he rejoined the MS National Guard where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. Activated during Desert Storm 1, he served as an instructor at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. Following Desert Storm 1, he remained in the Army Reserves, sharing his skills as an instructor. He was a lifelong learner, especially in the topics of farming, wood working, construction, and collecting and restoring tools. He and his wife Jean built the home he and his family have resided in these past 50 years. His greatest joys were being with his wife Jean, caring for his animals, and sharing his knowledge of farming, tools, and construction. Mr. Grayson was a longtime member of Union Hill Church and will be missed by all. Mr. Grayson was preceded in death by parents, Lois and Alice Grayson; and first cousin, Rodney Hinton. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Weaver Grayson of Gholson, daughter whom he was extremely proud of, Paula Ripple (Walter) of Johnsburg, IL; granddaughter, Sarah Ripple of Dallas, TX; grandson, Samuel Ripple of Indianapolis, IN; Nephew, Barry Weaver (Wendy) of Pelahatchie, MS; nieces, Rebekah Weaver and Blair Minyard. He is also survived by the tools and axe’s he has restored and the beautiful homes he has built.