Paul Franklin Autry

Devoted husband and father Paul Franklin Autry, 84, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.

Born in Plainville, Ga., in Gordon County on Jan. 24, 1934, Autry later moved to neighboring Floyd County. He was an active member of Enon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon at the Rome, Ga., church for 50 years.

Known for his genuine kindness and beaming smile, Autry worked in multiple plants and in his later years with the Floyd County sanitation department. During his career, Autry was employed at Klopman Mills, Trend Mills, and Torrington Fafnir Bearings Division.

While at Klopman Mills in Shannon, Ga., Autry would meet his spouse of five-plus decades while working at the plant. The couple then would raise three sons.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 53 years Mattie Autry; parents Henry Guy Autry and Pennie Pauline (Johnson) Autry; and brothers and sisters Ralph Autry, Colston Autry, Sue Stanton, and Beatrice Jones.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Rodney F. and Lynn Autry of Gloucester, Va., Barry P. Autry of Rome, Ga., and Enoch W. and Lorie Autry of Sylvania, Ga.; grandchildren, grand daughters-in-law and a grand son-in-law Jonathan C. and Rebecca Autry of Gloucester, Va., Joshua M. and Jennifer Autry of Kennett Square, Pa., Jeremiah S. Autry of Gloucester, Va., Joseph B. Autry of Gloucester, Va., Jessica H. Byrnside and Toney Byrnside of Midlothian, Va., Stone K. Autry of Sylvania, Ga., Broc P. Autry of Sylvania, Ga., Tea E. Autry of Sylvania, Ga., and Callee J. Autry of Sylvania, Ga.; great grandchildren Elijah N. Autry of Gloucester, Va., Josiah J. Autry of Gloucester, Va., Naomi R. Autry of Gloucester, Va.; and Savannah Byrnside of Midlothian, Va., and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Salmon Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 2516 New Calhoun Highway, Rome, Ga.

Funeral services will be at Enon Baptist Church at 3105 Turkey Mountain Road N.E. in Rome, Ga., at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. The body will lie in state one hour before the services begin. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Salmon Cemetery in Rome, Ga.

Officiating the funeral service will be his eldest son Dr. Rodney F. Autry with assistance from pastors Ken Hinckley of Enon Baptist Church and former Enon Baptist Church pastor Dr. Bill Dempsey.

Pallbearers are grandchildren Jonathan C. Autry, Joshua M. Autry, Jeremiah S. Autry, Joseph B. Autry, Stone K. Autry and Broc P. Autry.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of Enon Baptist Churchs Senior Adult Sunday School Class and members of the Shannon Masonic Lodge 100.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the Benevolence Fund at Enon Baptist Church at 3105 Turkey Mountain Road N.E., Rome, Ga., 30161.

Salmon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.