Dr. Paul Veal Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

I am fishing in a river the world has never known, its crystal waters surround me with a peace I have never known. I cannot describe its beauty, the daily catch abounds, with the fish I love so much in this heavenly home I have found. My dearest Dianne, sons and all my family and friends on shore, My leaving was not planned but yes, my God knew best, I am in a better place now, so let me find my peace and rest. I have lived a wonderful life surrounded by loving family and friends but like anything else we know that our time has come to an end. So, let me tell my story, I Paul Edward Veal (aka Grape, Father, Uncle, Poppy, and Grandpa), was born a Delta boy in Tibbs, MS, (Tunica County), as the 7th child of Mary and Napoleon Veal. With three brothers and four sisters, our noisy household was one of love and caring, a truly nurturing experience. Tibbs was a small town (population 529) whose claim to fame was that it was the home of country singer Charley Pride. I attended Dundee Attendance Center where I played the drums in the band during my junior high school days. I then matriculated to Rosa Fort High School, where I was able to use my height and would later use to heal, to compete on the basketball court. My good looks and charm did not go unnoticed as I was chosen Mr. Rosa Fort during my high school days. Dianne recounts that one of the primary reasons for my success can be traced by to the competitive relationship I maintained with my friend Percy that pushed us both to seek the highest levels of achievement in just to outdo one another, for us even one point difference in an academic demanded a rematch or “do over.” My Best Friend Bobby “Blue” Bland, (not the singer), always had my back and I was pleased to serve as the Best Man at his wedding. I cannot continue this story as there is a missing especially important element that gave me the most joy during my time here on earth. In the second grade (yes second grade), I rode the bus with a cute little girl from Dundee, MS, the one and only Miss Dianne Moody, who let me through those school years date others, but when it came to life choices, caught my eye, captured my mind and spirit, and became my life mate for 40 years. She does not know that it was the white GO-GO boots in the 5th grade going down the hall that sealed the deal. I married that beautiful girl on December 2, 1979 and we were so poor starting out that I could not even pay the preacher, but God and time took care of that. I later journeyed back to Georgia to pay for his services and settle the debt in kind and more. We are nothing without God, the prayers of so many and guidance of those who served as mentors and friends have allowed us to follow the steps ordered by God through their teaching and instruction. Dianne and I found salvation under the leadership of Elder Cannie and Patricia Lester at the Church of God By Faith in 1981. Elder and Sister Lester supported me through my schooling in Marietta, GA, and for that I am grateful. We shall always remember the many times we shared together each year as we tried to return the support. We could not image that when we visited last September, it would be the last time. But God has the final say. For the last 12 years we had the pleasure of worshipping under Pastor Craig Morris and his wife Lady D, Daphne Morris, at Abundant Life Christian Church. Your presence in our lives as Pastor, friends, advocates, and travel partners helped us keep our foundation in the WORD strong. Pastor Craig, you were more than my pastor, you were my friend. After Dianne convinced me to attend services there with her, I knew that was where I wanted to be. You and Lady D are truly a blessing in our lives. We resolved early in our relationship to let God guide our footsteps through our marriage, parenthood, and business. He never let us down and now I rest safely in his care. I entered the Air Force in 1976 at Keesler Air Force Base, and later served at bases in Guam and Georgia. My aspiration was to become a pharmacist even to the point of applying to and being accepted into the Pharmacy School at Ole Miss. However, like everything else, God had other plans and needs for my skills which had yet to be developed. I met Dr. James Smith a chiropractor, in Warner-Robbins, Georgia at the Air Force Base there. He served as mentor and friend while I returned to Georgia and entered Macon Junior College where I completed my prerequisites for the chiropractic profession. I entered Life College in January of 1983 and graduated in 1986. Those were the most hectic years of our lives, as we strived to complete school with a house full of children and both working multiple jobs. But let me tell you that hard work and perseverance pays off. God has been good to Dianne and I and we acknowledge this blessing by living lives of service. In 1986 we moved to Columbus and established Veal Chiropractic Center. For the last thirty-four (34) years it has been my pleasure to provide healing and relief to the many people of diverse nationalities that entered those doors. My patients came from as far away as Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Sometimes even I could not believe the blessings that God bestowed upon us and we were and always will be grateful. Our patients were always greeted by me and my life partner and wife, as we strived to create a holistic atmosphere of health based not only on the practice, but our personal desire to be of service to mankind. As a philanthropist, advocate, school board member, and citizen I found pleasure in donating yearly to the Mayor’s Community Picnic, The Columbus High School Basketball Christmas Classic (yes, basketball is always in my heart), The Night Out On Crime, The NAACP, community soccer and baseball teams, and other community activities. Lastly, those who know and will remember me best know that my passion was fishing. It was during these times that I got to relax and enjoy the company of my buddies who dared to sometimes brave the elements for me to get the last one in. They will not admit it, but they had fun. Not to be left out of my leisure time, I made time as I wound down from the practice in these last years to travel with my wife and friends to exotic places in Turkey, Italy, Pompeii, Greece, Paris, Africa (a few times), and Spain. My favorite spot was Turkey; however, I loved the sites that related back to the foundation of my belief, the Bible. I arrived at my heavenly home greeted by the family that prepared a place at their table for me with open arms. They include: my mom and dad; brothers Booker T, and Robert Veal, Sr.; sisters, Martha, Satiwhite, and Naomi Wilson. I am leaving to your care, my beloved wife of 40 years, Dianne, my beloved sons, Robert, Christopher (Paris), Frederick (Chico) (Melissa), Paul (Shana), and Damien (Bernice). Brother Napoleon; Sisters, Mattie, and Julia; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. An enormous thank you to my entire community of caring patients, friends and loved ones. A special thanks to my cousin who lived like a sister with me with all my life, Essie Lee Jones. This letter is not a goodbye, just a farewell for now, my hands are tired, my feet need a rest, I am living with Jesus, he knew what was best. To my sons, carry the legacy and take care of your mother, to my friends, take care of my family, and make sure they are fine. We will all meet again, and know, I am doing fine, just relaxing and fishing for eternity. Forever your friend, Paul

Dr. Paul Veal

December 17, 1956 - August 6, 2020

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information