"I just found Out an Old friend has gone to Our Lord Jesus Christ. I know Paul is Resting in God's Arms because he was a devout Servant Of Our Lord. May God Bless The Pauls Family. Ed Mandel"
In loving memory of
Paul Barriball
On December 21, 2020, Paul R. Barriball escaped the pain and sorrow of his earthly body and fell into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was 65.
Paul was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, eventually making his home first in Venice, Florida, and then in Phoenix, AZ. He was married to his best friend, Patricia, for 33 years, and together they enjoyed a marriage many only dream of. He was also the proud father of Emily, Natalie, Benjamin, and Maggie. He loved being their dad and kept every drawing, card, and sticky note they ever made him. Some of his favorite times were when he'd come home from work and they'd practically knock him over at the door, yelling, "Daddy's home! Daddy's home!" He was the consummate family man and his wife and children were the joy of his life. They miss him terribly and look forward to someday being reunited with him forever and ever. Paul is also survived by his brothers, David and Jon.
As a young man, Paul obtained his pilot's license from Embry Riddle School of Aeronautics and went on to graduate with high honors from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He loved the unique challenges and complexities of community banking while also being able to serve the public. He was known as a sort of George Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life) because of his impeccable honor and integrity and his devotion to helping people, particularly those whom no one else would. He was indeed the best of men.
A former bodybuilder, Paul truly enjoyed working out, especially with his children. He really loved teaching and mentoring kids, whether it was in Sunday school or while playing sports--and they loved him. As such, he was passionate about coaching Pop Warner Football and youth basketball. Even after reaching adulthood, many of his former players continued to call him Coach and remembered with fondness how he patiently taught them to love the game, be good sportsmen, and become the best players and individuals they could possibly be.
On the surface, Paul was a quiet, steak-and-potatoes kind of guy, who always wore loose-fitting polo shirts and Reebok high tops. But if you took the time to know him, you would find he was a very sweet man who enjoyed deep conversation and who was actually quite witty and 'punny' and loved joking around, especially telling silly dad jokes.
If there is still one thing Paul would want you to know, it's that he knew and loved his Lord, Jesus Christ, and more importantly that Jesus knew and loved him, even calling him Friend. Because of that, Paul had no doubt where he was going when he died. He would want you to have that same knowing for yourself, and he would tell you that it all comes down to relationship.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).
God loves you so very much and created you to have a relationship with Him as His child. He also wants you to want Him--to know Him and spend eternity with Him. But sin gets in the way of having that relationship. That's why He sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross to make atonement for our sin and then be raised again--overcoming sin and death and reconciling us with the Father. The good news is that no one is beyond His love, and if by faith you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be saved and have eternal life!
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
If you would like to be saved from your sins and begin a relationship with the one true God, knowing without a doubt that you will spend eternity with Him when you die, then pray the following prayer and mean it with your whole heart:
Dear Lord Jesus, I come before you today to give you my heart--to give you my all. Please come into my life and become my Lord and Savior. Deliver me from the power of sin and help me to live for you. I want to trust and follow you all the days of my life and go live with you forever when I die. Thank you so much for loving me. In your name I pray, amen.
If you would like to discuss further what it means to have a relationship with the God of the universe, feel free to contact Paul's wife, Patricia, at barriball6@gmail.com. Paul will be so happy you did!