Paul Hammett Dorian's Obituary
Paul Hammett Dorian, born June 27, 1927, in Memphis, TN, passed away early Sunday morning, January 29, 2017, following complications from pneumonia. He was free of pain throughout his illness and died in his sleep at Baptist Memorial Hospital. Paul was proud not only of his service in the US Navy, but of the fact it took him three times to convince the Navy to accept him in spite of his flat feet, which had disqualified him from the Army and Marines. A very intelligent man who prided himself in the art of persuasion, he convinced a Navy recruiter to enlist him. He served, was honorably discharged, and lived his life as a patriot and veteran of the country he loved. Paul aspired to practice law, but tough times landed him in less lofty positions. He secured an entry-level job working in the plant at Humko Products. Soon he was the “traffic” manager, directing products throughout the national distribution system. By the time he retired, Paul was national credit manager for Kraft Food Ingredients. Paul Dorian was a kind man with a strong will and an active mind. He read the paper cover to cover each day, always completed the Sudoku and crossword puzzles, and loved the magic of math. Even in the hospital, he enjoyed baffling the staff with mental math tricks. He loved giving to loved ones and strangers alike. If someone performed a considerate act—like the lady in the gift shop who spent extra time helping him select a wedding gift for his granddaughter—you can be sure she would receive a hand-delivered box of chocolate for Christmas. He always looked for opportunities to say a kind word, and to help people make their jobs more efficient, more productive, and more enjoyable. He marveled at the blessings in his life and his lack of infirmities, even as he struggled through his recent hospitalizations. In his earlier years, Paul was active in the Memphis Jaycees and Shelby United Neighbors, and he volunteered with local organizations, including Boys’ Town. He donated regularly to a number of charities, including his favorite, St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Fran, parents Charles and Vida Dorian, and his only sister, Catherine Berschied Rivers. He is survived by his daughter, Carleen Palmer, and her husband Rick, their daughters Lily Rincon (Kris) and Camille Palmer; by his son, Tom Dorian, and his wife Susan, their daughters, Katie Paden (Clint) and Julie Jenkins (Wade), and their son Evan Dorian; his three great granddaughters, Agnes and Caroline Paden, and Arianna Rincon; his brother, Dr. John Dorian, and his extended family; and the Berschied extended family. “Uncle Paul” was special to all his nieces and nephews. Paul found delight in all of his dogs, and his beloved dachshund Perky was truly this man’s best friend during his final years. Visitation for family and friends will be held in the chapel at Memorial Park on Poplar from 5:00 to 7:15 PM Friday, followed by a Rosary at 7:30. We will celebrate Paul’s life together at 10 AM Saturday, also at Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the SPCA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life….Behind the Stone Wall.”
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