SSgt William "Paul" Effler

SSgt William “Paul” Effler, 81, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at his home.

A native of McDowell County, Paul was born June 08, 1941 to the late George Adam Effler and Florence Shuford Effler.

Paul served in the United States Marine Corps, and he retired due to medical reasons after over nine years of faithful service. Though he was disabled the rest of his life, he never let that keep him from putting others before himself. He was a big jokester who had a big heart. He was a talented writer and often wrote poems. He also enjoyed working with his plants, especially his blueberry bushes.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by five siblings, James Daniel Effler, Franklin Dean Effler, Frances Davis, Angeline Hensley, and Elaine Lankford.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maggie “Ann” Effler; three children, Tim Effler (Audreana), James “Donnie” Effler, and Amy Effler; three grandchildren, Nathaniel Phillips, Jared Gibson, and Sebastian Withey; four sisters, Freda VanSteenberg (Tom), Jewell Effler King, Viola Craig (Esten), and Wanda McKinney (Wayne); and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Rev. Kerney Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m.