Surrounded by his loving family, Elvy Paul Carlisle, age 93, passed peacefully in Southern Hills Hospital on January 16, 2025.
Paul was born to Elva and Edith Truax Carlisle on July 6, 1931, in Taylorsville, Kentucky. He was the youngest of his six siblings—Alma, Jessica, Fran, Ann, and William.
His much-loved wife preceded him in death on February 26, 2020; however, he is survived by his dear daughters, Lisa Carlisle and Karen Carlisle Arroyo (Martin); his six much loved grandchildren, Audrey Grace Arroyo (Ahiezer), Noula Faith Arroyo Nix (John), Elisha Paul Arroyo, Emily Hope Foster (Nathan), Justus Alexander Arroyo, and Blessing Joy Arroyo; his sister-in-law, Judy Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He served in the United States Air Force from July 12, 1951, to July 11, 1955, and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean War.
As a young man Paul also held many interesting jobs and learned to be a true “Jack of all trades.” Everyone who knew him trusted that he could build or repair just about anything. His daughters, most definitely, thought of their Daddy as quite the hero – capable of anything he put his mind to. In his job as a recruiter for RETS Electronics Trade School, Paul traveled extensively in Tennessee where he would speak at high schools and visit the homes of young students to assist them in getting not only financial aid, but also anything else they needed to set them on the route to education success at RETS. He was truly a top-notch advocate and salesman, as proven by the many trophies and plaques hanging on his walls.
To this end, Paul had a way of convincing people to do things that they might not, otherwise, have ever considered. Many a time he persuaded a vendor to come down on a price or to even donate the item in question. His daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Martin, witnessed this ability on numerous occasions as he advocated for things on behalf of their ministry in Mexico.
Paul ferociously loved his wife, Marilyn, of 61 years and never fully recovered from her passing five years ago. He always worked to make sure she and his daughters were well provided for. He kept a neat yard and did any and all fixer-uppers around the house and on the cars. His love for Lisa and Karen was evident in all that he did, as well; and then, of course, that fierce love poured into his grandchildren. He made a number of trips to Mexico as they were growing up, and both Audrey and Noula had the privilege of living with their Mimi and Papaw as they went to college.
Paul was a private man with a small circle of friends, but those who had the privilege of being close to him know he was extremely witty, intelligent, considerate, and noble. He and Marilyn were faithful to Haywood Hills Baptist Church for over fifty years.
Paul’s true faith in Jesus was shared unashamedly around his bedside those last two weeks in Southern Hills Hospital. Over and over, he told his daughters, grandchildren, other family members, nurses, and doctors that he had no fear of dying because he was sure of where he was going. He even shared a near death experience he had as a young serviceman in Alaska where he saw a glimpse of the beautiful reality of heaven.
Paul’s family and friends have no doubt where he is and rejoice for him, although his passing leaves them all with a deep sense of loss.
The family will receive visitors at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at 1:00 PM. Pastor Michael Antanaitis will officiate the ceremony. https://www.woodbinefuneralhome.com
Pallbearers: Family and friends
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