George Leonard Paradise

AIKEN, SC – GEORGE LEONARD PARADISE, 61, beloved husband of Darlene Johnson Paradise, died Saturday, September 22, 2007 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken County, Mr. Paradise was a son of the late Charles L. and Annie McElhaney Paradise. He proudly served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict and retired from Bellsouth following a 32 year career. George was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in New Ellenton where he served as past chairman of the Trustees. He was a member of the United Methodist Men, the staff parish relations committee, the Freedom Sunday School Class and an honorary member of the Joy Circle. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the VFW. George participated in the Salkehatchie Mission Trip at Black Swamp Camp in Hampton, SC and also with UMVIM Trip to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. Survivors, in addition to his wife Darlene, include his daughter Crystal Paradise, Aiken, two sisters, Mary Main, Beech Island, Dorothy (Johnny) Campbell, Dyersburg, TN, a brother, Charles L. Paradise, Warrenville and an aunt, Gladys Woodward, Warrenville. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia McGowan, and three brothers, Otis L. Paradise, James L. Paradise and Robert L. Paradise. The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 5:00 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church in New Ellenton, with The Rev. Brian Gilmer officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ed Heath, Jim Bussey, Danny Schultze, James Smith, Stan Shepherd and Gene Cooper. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home, 715 East Pine Log Rd., Aiken, SC. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul United Methodist Church Children and Youth Activities Fund, 600 Main St., SW, New Ellenton, SC 29809. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Leonard Paradise, please visit our flower store.