Paul Croley

SILVER LAKE - Paul Smith Croley, 95, passed away May 13, 2016. Paul was born in Williamsburg, KY, second oldest of fourteen children of William and Ida Croley. For one year after graduating from Cumberland College, he taught eight grades in a one-room school house, including seven of his brothers and sisters. Moving to Cincinnati, he worked at Curtis-Wright Aeronautical as a Supervisor before entering the service in WWII. He graduated from officer's candidate school as a Lieutenant. He and Helen Jean were married in October 1945. After the war, they settled in the Youngstown area. Paul went to work for Mahoning Valley Supply Company, starting as a truck driver and warehouse employee. Six months later they opened a branch in Akron and sent him to be in sales. In 1958, he was made Branch Manager, eventually, Sales Manager of the entire company. He also attended an executive course at Wharton School of Finance and served on the Board of Globe International, Inc. Paul retired as President and CEO of Mahoning Valley Supply. He literally lived the American Dream. His life reflected his love for the Lord. Paul was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, Papaw and friend. He had a tremendous love for each one of his family. After all his love for us came golf. Paul was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years with his golf friends at Fairlawn Country Club. To his delight, he was able to travel and play many famous courses. Paul loved teaching and working with youth. He taught 6th grade boys in Sunday School for 25 years. He coached Boys Basketball at Richardson Elementary School and Boys and Girls teams at church. Paul was always a teacher and couldn't resist helping or encouraging someone when he saw the need. He was also commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. In his retirement, Paul enjoyed his winter home in Venice, FL where our families gathered for Spring Breaks.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Jean; children, Douglas F. (Kathy) Croley of N. Canton; Paula F. (Thomas) Brown of Silver Lake, John P (Sue) Croley of Mooresville, NC and Jill L. (Todd) Payne of N. Olmstead; grandchildren, Libby, Marren, Marcus, Tom, Julie, Allison, Drew, Joshua, Krista and Brent; great-grandchildren, Atley and June and sisters, Cindy (Tom) Evans, Galena (Kermit) Coffey, Faye (Jim) Eaton; brother, Ray (Wilma) Croley and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank the loving and tender care given by Norma and staff through Hospice and also Robbin and Linda.

Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 20 in the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21 in the United Presbyterian Church, 2819 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221. Rev. Adam Marquette officiating. Interment Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. Military Honors will be by VFW Firestone Post 3383. In lieu of other remembrances memorials may be made to his Church or Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.

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