Graveside services for Paul England, 92, proud Army veteran of World War II, career commercial printer and father of five Holston High School athletes, will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Mr. England died at his home on Thursday evening. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Edna England.
Mr. England undoubtedly set an attendance record at Holston. From the mid-1960s through the early 1980s, it seemed he was always there when Jimmy England, Gary England, Randy England and Tommy England played basketball and Janet England was a volleyball star.
Jimmy earned all-America status and was one of Tennessee’s all-time greats under coach Ray Mears. Gary won all-Southeastern Conference honors at Auburn. Janet played volleyball at Tennessee. Randy played baskets at Roane State when former Holston coach Hoyt Carroll was there.
“We were blessed with unbelievable parents,” said Gary. “They were so supportive. Mom ran the taxi for practices. Dad was always there for games.
“I remember a freshman game at Auburn in 1969. There were three and a half or four people in the stands. I took another look around and there was my father.”
Mr. England advanced from print-shop worker to printing company owner. He and sons Tommy and Randy operated United Graphics for 30 years. The business is now at 7364 Morton View Lane in Powell. Tommy and Randy are owners and Gary says he is an employee.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel. Family pastor Scott Hood will lead the service at Highland Memorial Cemetery. East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard will provide full military honors. Obituary details here.
Following the graveside service, the family will gather at 1 p.m. at Beaver Brook Country Club for a celebration of Mr. England’s life.