Paul Ellis Nunnaly Barrett died peacefully after a happy life spent devoted to his family and friends Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at his home at Belmont Gardens. He was 85.

Paul was born in Boyle, Miss., on Aug. 14, 1925. He attended Mississippi College after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He later served our country again during the Korean Conflict.

He then was employed with the U.S. Government, Vicksburg District, as the clerk on the Dredge Jadwin. Eventually he moved to the Office of Personnel for the Vicksburg District. After retirement from the U.S. Government he worked as assistant to Miss Mary Jane Jackson, secretary for Crawford Street United Methodist Church. They had a special relationship until her death.

Paul was a very compassionate man who had to struggle against poverty as a child. He always stated, “I live to serve others, and don’t you forget it!!” and serving he did — helping people in every way possible, to include his loving brothers, sisters and friends.

In earlier years he enjoyed traveling with family and friends in the United States, Mexico and other countries.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin L. and Elise Carroll Barrett; sisters, Alice Faye Polk and Frances B. Burt; and brothers, John Carroll Barrett, Benjamin L. Barrett Jr., Baby Will Barrett, William Maurice Barrett, Gaines Gardner Barrett, Richard L. Barrett, Lawrence D. Barrett, T. Gerald Barrett and Ronald Joseph Barrett.

He is survived by his sister, Althea Barrett (Newell Jr.) Murphy of Vicksburg; as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Visitation will he held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, at Glenwood Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date.