Paul Edmund Szymborski, Jr., 74, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Born in Greenville, SC on January 15, 1949, he was the son of the late Paul Edmund Sr. and Mary Martha Mathis Szymborski. Paul is also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Charles Hendrick and sister-in-law Sandy Griffin. In 1967, Paul earned his diploma from Shelby High School and later a B.S. Degree from Gardner-Webb University. He was an avid supporter of the Shelby High Football program, its Supper Club Organization, and Booster Club, as well as Clemson University. Paul demonstrated his unwavering passion for football through his 30-year-career as a high school football official. Beyond the gridiron, Paul's enthusiasm extended to sport fishing, where he once held the record in North Carolina for the largest White Marlin. As a devoted father, son, brother, and grandfather, Paul cherished every moment spent with his family, especially his K-9 companion Dash.

Paul loved the American Legion World Series and had been a Core Volunteer since its inception. He helped sell souvenirs and met people from all over the country, made them all feel welcome, kept in touch with some and looked forward to seeing them and all he hadn't yet met every year. He loved the staff at Hannah's Coffee House and all his coffee buddies. Everytime he was there, he went home and shared stories with Jane, as he did on his walks with Dash on the Courtsquare, Hannah Park or around his neighborhood. He truly never met a stranger.

Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years Jane Szymborski, son Charlie (Samantha) Szymborski, daughter Tracy (Michael Shope) Szymborski, brother Tom (Patti) Szymborski and grandchildren David Szymborski, Will Szymborski and Cooper Shope. Also left to cherish his memory are his mother-in-law, Dot Hendrick, brother-in-law Walt Griffin, sister-in-law Patti (John) Thompson, as well as, his two nieces, Lee Ann (John) Morris and their children Olivia and Lily, Hannah (Brad) Barker, two nephews Wilson Griffin and Michael (Bre) Thompson son Tripp.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 1, 2023 at Sulphur Springs Methodist Church in Shelby with Pastor Kathy Houser offering words of encouragement to those in attendance. The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Shelby High Athletics Booster Club 230 E. Dixon Blvd Shelby, NC 28152 Or Sulphur Springs Methodist Church P.O. Box 1073 Shelby, NC 28151

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family