Paul Henry Redding, Sr. by Jerry Madison Harrison

Saturday, December 14, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church

8800 Winchester Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Reflections of Life

PaulHenry Redding, Sr. transitioned peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on December 3, 2024 at the age of 54. Paul was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 27, 1970 to his loving parents, Michael and Helen Redding.

Paul graduated from Buffalo Grove High School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois in 1988. Paul achieved several certifications which advanced his career, including the Tennessee State Board License in Cosmetology (Barber), Forklift Certification, and Commercial Driver’s License, Class A, P, and S endorsements. At his death, Paul was a transportation specialist @ Fast Park and Relax Shuttle Company.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, son-in-law, brother-inlaw, and friend. Paul received Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Cummings Street Baptist Church. Paul was a spiritual person who spent time with God throughout the day in prayer and devotion. He lived life on his own terms as he lovingly ministered to others. His charm, caring ways, generosity, humor, and concern for others endeared him to everyone that he met. These traits allowed Paul to touch and impact many lives. Paul will best be remembered as a leader, provider, and protector.

As a loyal Chicago Bears fan, Paul fantasized about the Bears going to the Super Bowl each year. Though this has not happened since 1985, Paul remained a faithful fan, cheering the team on to hopeful victory each time they played.

Paul was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Christopher David Redding, grandparents Charles and Willie Mae Hammond, grandparents Oddie and Mattie Redding, uncles Henry Hammond, Richard Hammond, Charles Hammond Jr., and his aunt Charlene Hammond.

Paul leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife Shelena Redding; children Brittany Brisker and Jerrod Brisker of Atlanta, Georgia, Dennis Grayson, Jr. and Paul Redding, Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee; grandson Bryson Redding; parents Michael and Helen Hammond Redding of Lake Zurich, IL; sibling Michael Redding Jr. (Gena) of Carlsbad, California; mother-in-law Patricia Hayden; father-in-law Montrose Parish (Judy); sisters-in law Trevell Parker of Greenwood, Indiana, Quanta Parker-Payne (Michael) of Merrillville, Indiana, Shonta Parker of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brothers-in-law Monty McCoy (Jenette) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jimichael Parker of Evansville, Indiana, Courtney Parker of Indianapolis, Indiana; a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and lifelong friends.

Paul shared a special bond with his aunts Willett Kettlewell, Gloria Johnson, Beverly Foreman, Charlene Whitten (deceased), Sherry Rene Hammond, Belinda McIntyre, and “sister-cousins” Sherry Tinette Hammond and Kimberly Johnson of Memphis, Tennessee with whom he shared much of his early childhood life while spending summers in Memphis, Tennessee.

Order of Celebration

“We know that all things work for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:2

Musical Prelude

Processional..............................................................................The Family of Paul Henry Redding, Sr.

Prayer.................................................................................................................................CSC Minister

Scripture Readings Old & New Testament.............................................................................................CSC Minister

Song Selection..........................................................................................................CSC Music Ministry

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Trevell Parker

Sherry Renea Hammond

Barry Oliver

Acknowledgements......................................................................................................Belinda McIntrye

Song Selection.........................................................................................................CSC Music Ministry

Eulogy.......................................................................................................................Pastor Eddie Jones

Recessional

To my Honey, My Provider, My Protector, My Baby Daddy and My Best Friend

Nehemiah 8:10

The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

We’ve had many joyous years together, you gave me the experience of being deeply understood, truly supported and completely and utterly loved. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. You’ve held my hand; you’ve held my heart and you have been the true love of my life.

Some people experience their soulmate once; God blessed me to experience mine twice. Your love for me was so powerful it motivated me to be better. The way you prayed, did daily devotions and spent time with God was fascinating to watch. I took photos of you praying without you knowing it. I was in awe and fell in love with you all over again each time I saw it.

The Respect, Trust, and Communication we had was truly Agape. The way you made sure I was straight (as you would say) even on your last day, I will cherish forever. Real Love Stories Never End!

My Love For You will last forever!

Signed: Your Pretty Redd

LTributes oving

Our Dad

From Jay and Britt (“Bookie”)

Our Dad, lovingly known as “Gymshoe” was one of a kind – silly, protective, and full of love for his family. He had a way of bringing joy into the simplest things, whether it was cheering for the Chicago Bears, or using his silly phrases like “you dig” or “burnt up”, or calling me “Bookie” with so much affection. He loved the little things in life, like his three cookies, brownies from the gas station near Kirby Street, and watching movies. His humor and warmth were unmatched—even his burps came with a polite “scuse me” that always made us laugh. So thankful for all the childhood memories, from him cheering Jay on at his pee-wee football and basketball games and teaching me how to pray summers in Memphis. Our Christmases together at my grandparents’ house were full of warmth and love, just like him. He was always there, making memories and sharing lessons that I’ll carry with me forever. He would drive up every May to be there for my birthday and Mother’s Day. I’ll never forget the time I cried when he told me I was Black, and I insisted I was brown. That was my Daddy—so patient, so full of love, always making life’s moments unforgettable. Dad taught us to treasure family and laughter in every moment. Though he’s no longer with us, his love and lighthearted spirit will live on in every smile, every shared memory, every silly phrase we find ourselves saying just like he would. Love, Bookie and Jay

“Letter to Pops”

From D J (Squirt)

Words can’t express how I truly feel, but I always knew that the love was real. Always remembered everything that you taught me, even when my vision was foggy. Always took everything you said to heart because I knew everything you told me was coming from the heart. You played a big part in who I am, even at times when I didn’t see who I was. You always said do what makes you happy and never let nobody change you and that’s something I’ve learned to do. I always think about your encouraging words; they always get me through my hard times. I always enjoyed our long conversations, the laughs, the realness, the honesty. You always kept me on point and showed me how to love and you showed me how to take care of family. I just want to thank you for everything you have ever done for me, and you will truly be missed, Pops!

Love, DJ/Squirt

From LP (JuneBug)

What’s up Pops? Never in a million years would I have thought I would be sitting here writing a letter like this so soon. How do we explain to Bryson that you are gone? You were supposed to shake back from this. This was supposed to be something small compared to a giant. I’m hurting, knowing that you’re physically no longer here. Especially right before Grandma and my birthday. It’s not going to feel the same anymore.

I can’t even find the words to express how I feel, but I’m going to try my best. I want to thank you for being my father. You taught me so many life lessons that I would have never known I would need. You taught me how to be a father to Bryson. You taught me how to be a provider for my family. You taught me right from wrong. You taught me how to stand up and never back down. You taught me sooooo many life lessons that I could go on and on for days. The one lesson that you taught me that is most important and valuable to me is that you taught me how to become a MAN.

A man is someone who provides for their family no matter the circumstances. A man is someone who sets the tone of the household. A man is someone who may bend but never break. A man is someone who will always be strong for their family. You were that kind of man for your family. Now it is time for me to step up to the plate and become that man you were.

Yes, we are hurting and grieving but we will become stronger. Healing has no timeline nor does grief.

We will keep your name alive forever. I love you and I am going to miss you!

Love, JuneBug

Our Son

Psalm 139: 13-16

“For You created my inmost being, You knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body, All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”

Dear Paul-ie, you are our first-born. we could write a book about you and the impact you had here on Earth, but that is unnecessary because EVERYONE that met you knew who and how you were! We are thankful to God for the love and the memories created over the past fifty-four years. The heartbreak is unbearable, for the loss of our child is the greatest loss we can experience. You impacted many lives here on earth through your spirituality, your loving kindness, and consistent concern for others. We love you and you will be missed tremendously. We take solace in the fact that you are reunited with your baby brother, Christopher, in the arms of our Lord.

Love you forever, Mom and Dad

My Brother

“About Paul”

As I start writing my thoughts about my big brother with tears streaming down my face, it’s hard to truly capture all of the feelings and remembrances of times that we had together. But one word keeps coming to mind and that is Gratitude. I’m grateful for all of the time we shared, for all of the lessons he taught, for his style I tried to emulate growing up and his colorful and unique vocabulary that I repeated…when our parents weren’t around. He was such an influence and showed me a different way when growing up in a place where there weren’t many like us, and for that I’m grateful beyond all measure.

I’m thankful for the example that he set as a father and keeping the ‘main thing the main thing’, as he said. Family comes first, and you better not mess with family or you’d have to have some ‘speaks’ with him! I’m thankful for my beautiful niece, Brittany, and amazing nephews and great nephew, Jerrod, DJ, Paul Jr. and Bryson that he brought into my life.

I’m grateful that he is reunited with our little brother, Chris, and he is with him to guide, protect, and keep him laughing as Paul did for all of us during his time on Earth. I’m thankful that you are now peacefully at rest and the pain you were feeling is no more. More than anything, I’m eternally grateful to be your Lil Bro!

Love you forever Big Bro, “Ya Dig”, Mike Jr.

Acknowledgements

We, the family of Paul Henry Redding, Sr., wish to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you for sharing our grief, comforting us, and joining in today’s Celebration of Life. We are extremely thankful for the thoughtful expressions, both written and spoken, for the sympathetic gestures through acts of kindness, food, flowers, and most of all your prayers during this very difficult time in our lives. Mere words cannot adequately express our gratitude. May God continue to bless and keep all of you in his care. We extend our special thanks to all of our family, friends, guests, The Real Divas of Football, The Memphis Skin Academy, Pastor Eddie Jones and the congregation of Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church.

You have all helped to ease the unbearable grief which we are experiencing in the loss of our loved one, Paul.