Paul Otto Wirz
Paul Otto Wirz was born on June 9, 1934, and entered the gates of Heaven on May 6, 2022, at the age of 87.
Paul was married to the love of his life, Diane Reed Wirz, for almost 62 years. Paul is survived by Diane and their three children: Paula Wirz Snead (Kevin), Derek T. Wirz (Tracey), Cara Wirz Sandlin (Scott) and their grandchildren: Samuel Paul and Sarah Sandlin, Jacob R. Wirz, G. Will Snead, Madeline P. "Madie" Wirz, Carly Scott “Scottie” Sandlin and Sara Grace Snead. His brother Jim Wirz (Linda) and many nieces and nephews who loved him. Paul was born in Seymour, Tx., to the late Will and Gertrude Wirz. Preceding him in death were Billy, Bennie, Herbert, Buddy, George, Annie Rose Shock and Marjorie Langford. Paul believed there was no greater joy than his family.
Paul was raised on a Texas farm and had a servant’s heart. Paul served our great country in the Chemical Core Division of the United States Army for six years. He attended Texas Tech University and graduated from Jacksonville State University while serving our country. Following his service in the Army and college graduation, he began his career in the Insurance Industry in Birmingham, AL, moved to Baltimore, MD, Atlanta, GA and then settling in Chattanooga, in 1966. During his early days of his career, he had a dream of having his own insurance agency, which he established around 1983. Paul had an entrepreneurial spirit and built a great insurance business along with his family. In that agency, he taught all three of his children their career in insurance. He was a proud member of the Professional Insurance Agents and held a Certified Insurance Counselor Certification. Paul spent most of his insurance career active in the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chattanooga and handled the insurance needs of contractors. Paul was honored on many occasions both locally and nationally for his membership recruitment of local contractors. Paul’s hobby later in his career included collecting and displaying insurance memorabilia. He loved sharing the stories of old fire marks and antique insurance signs, which he proudly displayed at his office in East Ridge for many years.
Paul was a man of great faith and dependence in his Lord, Jesus Christ. He worshipped throughout the years at Concord Baptist, Brainerd Hills Baptist, Woodland Park Baptist and most recently at Ridgedale Baptist Church. His faith was always reflected in his words and in the song in his heart. He lived his life singing Because He Lives we can face tomorrow. He enjoyed simple things in life, a great conversation with his family, a good cup of coffee, grocery ads, a Western novel or a ride to a fruit stand. His favorite scripture reflected his heart in Psalms 37:25, I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
Paul will be memorialized at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on July 29, at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Doug Plumlee and Reverend Mark Caldwell presiding with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, Paul desired donations to Hospice of Chattanooga who cared for him in his final days.
Thanks be to God for the life of Paul Wirz, a gentle giant. Child of God, Husband, Father, Papa, Friend, Mentor. A life well lived.
Please share your memories of Paul with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.