Paul Albert DeVine, age 94, of Decatur, went to be with God on December 9, 2023.

For anyone who was lucky enough to have known him, they knew that Paul loved the Lord, and it showed through his caring for his family, his church, and his community. Paul was the epitome of God's commandments to Love and Forgive. His love was unconditional and his forgiveness eternal and unwavering. His life was not measured in the number of words he spoke, but the wisdom in those words and the actions behind them. A gentle soul and a role model to be Christ-like. Besides his family, (and many times with them) Paul had a love for building, traveling, sweets, coffee and the occasional large, but safely contained, fire. His sense of humor always brought light to those around him.

He started his work career in Electrical Maintenance in 1947. He joined the US Air Force in 1949 and became a senior radio operator coding up to 30 words a minute, copying messages for US Bombers flying missions over North Korea while stationed on the island of Okinawa. Upon honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1953, he worked as an electrician before accepting a position at the US Army Missile Command. This soon led to a 21-year career with NASA upon its creation, as an Electronics Technician, building and testing rocket engine instrumentation for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, as well as the original Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. Upon retiring from NASA, he briefly started his own electrical business but a need for his wood-working skills presented itself with Decatur General Hospital. He spent 25 years in the Maintenance Department before retiring a second time. He continued working on projects around his home and the homes of many others. There was never a ladder that Paul wouldn't try to climb. Later in life he became an accomplished care giver to his wife.

He was born August 26, 1929, in Decatur to the late Walter and Ida DeVine.

Paul is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy Jean (Dot) DeVine, two daughters, Paulette DeVine, and Julie Albright (Tim), four grandchildren, Eric Albright (Pam), Jeremy Albright (Ashley), Jeffrey Albright (Amber), Erin Mosher (Zach), and seven Great Grandchildren: Avery Albright, Caroline Albright, Charis Albright, Analeigh Albright, Darrell Albright-Gooden, Holland Mosher, and Charlotte Mosher.

The family will receive friends at Southside Baptist Church on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM, officiated by his grandsons, Pastors Eric, Jeremy, and Jeffrey Albright. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery immediately after the service.

Family request in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Alabama Baptist Children's Home or UAB Children's Hospital