Paul Hallum
April 7, 2023 — March 29, 2017
Paul Hallum, 93, of Greenbrier, passed away on March 29, 2017. Paul was born on April 7, 1923 in Wooster, Arkansas to Richard Hallum and Edna High Hallum. Paul was an Iron worker and a gravedigger. He was the caretaker of Oak Grove Cemetery for 16 years and the Pleasant Valley Cemetery until 2015. He loved making the grounds look manicured year round for people to visit their loved ones. He continued to drive through and monitor Oak Grove weekly to ensure that his replacement was doing a satisfactory job for years after he retired from there, many times removing a newly fallen limb.
Paul served in the Army during World War II. Although he was trained as a cook, he never served as one. Instead, he became the radio carrier, which, in his words, was a very lonely position. He said that no one wanted to be near the man that was first on the list of targets. Paul had a sharp memory and told his War stories with vivid detail. He was awarded the Purple Heart, 5 Bronze Service Stars, the Bronze Star Medal and a Good Conduct Medal for his service to our country. However, it wasn't until 70 years after the war that the medals were actually presented. This was done during a Fourth of July Saturday celebration at Greenbrier's Wagon Wheel Restaurant and presented by Mayor Sammy Hartwick. Later, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by Senator John Boozman during a ceremony at the Clinton Library. Only 18 other people in the state of Arkansas have received this award which also made him a Knight. This honor was bestowed to him by the country of France on March 1, 2016. Paul was also proud to be a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters, Eva Irby, Evie Glenn, and Lou Rowe, and his four brothers, Jay Hallum, Gene Hallum, Sherman Hallum, and Floyd Hallum.
Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Martha Jan Hallum, his sister Faye Phillips of Little Rock, his daughters, Becky Moranz of Newburg, IN, Janet Smothermon and Rick of Greenbrier, Paula Sue Bell and David of Gurdon, Julie Perry and Brian of Alexander. Paul had 12 grandchildren: Andrew Moranz, Michael Moranz, Stephen Moranz, Brad Smothermon, Wade Smothermon Janna Smothermon, Kymberlie Dixon, Kylie Dixon, Cole Dixon, Ryan Hallum, Sarah Perry, Noah Perry and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Brian Perry, David Bell, Rick Smothermon, Ryan Hallum, Cole Dixon, Noah Perry, Andrew Moranz, Stephen Moranz and Brad Smothermon. Honorary Pallbearers would include those who knew him and would have loved the opportunity.
Paul had a dry wit and a sense of humor that continued until the morning he passed. You never had to wonder what he thought about something, and if he told you something you had better listen because he knew what he was talking about.
Because of his love for children, the family asks that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude or the Arkansas Children's Hospital of Little Rock.
There will be a visitation for Paul on Friday March 31, 2017 at 6pm to 8pm at Bishop Crites Funeral Home.
Services will be held Saturday April 1, 2017 at 2pm at Pleasant Valley Church with a visitation from 12pm to 2pm. Burial to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Paul served in the Army during World War II. Although he was trained as a cook, he never served as one. Instead, he became the radio carrier, which, in his words, was a very lonely position. He said that no one wanted to be near the man that was first on the list of targets. Paul had a sharp memory and told his War stories with vivid detail. He was awarded the Purple Heart, 5 Bronze Service Stars, the Bronze Star Medal and a Good Conduct Medal for his service to our country. However, it wasn't until 70 years after the war that the medals were actually presented. This was done during a Fourth of July Saturday celebration at Greenbrier's Wagon Wheel Restaurant and presented by Mayor Sammy Hartwick. Later, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by Senator John Boozman during a ceremony at the Clinton Library. Only 18 other people in the state of Arkansas have received this award which also made him a Knight. This honor was bestowed to him by the country of France on March 1, 2016. Paul was also proud to be a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters, Eva Irby, Evie Glenn, and Lou Rowe, and his four brothers, Jay Hallum, Gene Hallum, Sherman Hallum, and Floyd Hallum.
Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Martha Jan Hallum, his sister Faye Phillips of Little Rock, his daughters, Becky Moranz of Newburg, IN, Janet Smothermon and Rick of Greenbrier, Paula Sue Bell and David of Gurdon, Julie Perry and Brian of Alexander. Paul had 12 grandchildren: Andrew Moranz, Michael Moranz, Stephen Moranz, Brad Smothermon, Wade Smothermon Janna Smothermon, Kymberlie Dixon, Kylie Dixon, Cole Dixon, Ryan Hallum, Sarah Perry, Noah Perry and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Brian Perry, David Bell, Rick Smothermon, Ryan Hallum, Cole Dixon, Noah Perry, Andrew Moranz, Stephen Moranz and Brad Smothermon. Honorary Pallbearers would include those who knew him and would have loved the opportunity.
Paul had a dry wit and a sense of humor that continued until the morning he passed. You never had to wonder what he thought about something, and if he told you something you had better listen because he knew what he was talking about.
Because of his love for children, the family asks that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude or the Arkansas Children's Hospital of Little Rock.
There will be a visitation for Paul on Friday March 31, 2017 at 6pm to 8pm at Bishop Crites Funeral Home.
Services will be held Saturday April 1, 2017 at 2pm at Pleasant Valley Church with a visitation from 12pm to 2pm. Burial to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Paul Hallum, please visit our flower store.