It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Paul Vernon Stinnett. Paul was a 78-year-old Democrat of Bryan, Texas, who passed away peacefully on September 27th, 2025, at the Inhabit Hospice.   Paul was born on August 10, 1947, in Indiana. He was raised in New Elliot, Indiana, with his family of 4 sisters and 1 brother. In his youth, Paul was a Boy Scout, and as a young man, Paul enjoyed watching and coaching baseball; his favorite player was Ernie Banks. He also enjoyed playing guitar with his friends, and to many of Paul's friends, he was known as “Small Paul.”  He graduated from Lake Central High School in 1967. Paul was known for his love of music; he was a talented guitarist, songwriter, and singer.  He had many studio-recorded songs, along with memories of playing music with his friends; it is truly what he loved the most.  The highlight of his singing career was when he sang at Dolly Parton’s uncle, Bill Owens' Place in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1982, he moved to Texas, where he began his career as a car salesman and married his current wife, with whom he celebrated well over 30 years of marriage.  Paul retired in his sixties, where he and his wife enjoyed watching sports, going to the movies, traveling to casinos, and spending time with their family. Paul was a kind-natured man whose laugh was contagious, and his demeanor was commendable.  Paul was a loving father/stepfather, a loyal husband, a genuine friend, and an amazing grandfather. He will be missed and, in our hearts, forever.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Mae Cox (maiden name Estill), George Stinnett, and stepfather Donald Cox. Paul was survived by his wife, Marie W. Stinnett, his daughters, Nikki Stinnett and Melissa Gilbert, his grandsons, Tristen Griffin and Tate Griffin, his great-grandchildren, Sterling Griffin, Abner Griffin, Aurelia Griffin, and Alora Griffin. His sisters, Georgia Williamson, Tammie Goehler, Denise Cox, Royce Buresh, and brother Donald Cox Jr.