Paul Richard Sands passed away on February 27, 2011. He was born in Athens, Ohio on March 26, 1917. Paul was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Lillian (Cumley) Sands, his parents, Jess and Lenora Sands, brothers- Robert and Parker Sands and a nephew, Eric Jones. Paul was also preceded in death by a paternal aunt, Nelle Sands, who helped to raise his brothers and him.

Paul served in World War II as a paratrooper and parachuted in during The Battle of The Bulge.

After serving in WWII, Paul returned to Athens where he worked at the Athens Post office, was a dairy and beef cattle farmer, and drove long-distance trucks across the country. He was a union electrician who worked on the construction of many of the power plants along the Ohio River. His last employment was as a commercial electrician who worked on several buildings that housed businesses in Uptown Athens, many of which are just memories - Blackmore's Restaurant, Beckley's Men's Shop, The Town House Restaurant and The Athens Flower Shop (in its Court Street location) - to name just a few.

Paul is survived by his children, Jim Sands of Athens and Janeen Sands of Columbus, and by several nieces, nephews and cousins. In accordance with Paul's wishes, he has been cremated and his ashes will be buried near the grave of his deceased wife, Lillian. The burial and a celebration of Paul's life will be scheduled at a later date.

Paul's family would like to express sincere appreciation and thanks to the staffs of University Medical Associates, Appalachian Community Visiting Nurses and O'Bleness Hospital (particularly the 3rd floor staff) for the kind, considerate and professional care they provided for Paul.

[photos courtesy of "WJW"]

Grave markers for Paul R. Sands and spouse in West Union Street Cemetery, Athens (Athens county), Ohio.

Paul enlisted in the Army at Fort Thomas, Newport KY on  2 November 1942.

Pvt Sands was assigned to Hq 2nd, 508th PIR.

On 3 March 1944 Pvt Sands was sent on detached service to a ten-day Radar School in England.

On 19 March Paul landed on another man's canopy during practice jump and was still there when the other man hit the ground. Paul hit on his back and had severe lumbar pain and spent the next 10 days in the hospital.

Sgt Sands was appointed to the grade of S/Sgt on 21 July 1944.

SSgt Sands was wounded in action on 6 June 1944

His military decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and Bronze Service Arrowhead device, both for action during Normandy, France Campaign, 6 June 1944 to 9 July 1944