Obituary of Paul Rabuck

December 22, 1946 - April 29, 2025

Paul Wayne Rabuck lived a life filled with adventure, service, and unwavering devotion to his family. Born on December 22, 1946, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Jay C. Rabuck and Grace Lavender Rabuck, Paul grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and a love for the outdoors.

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1965, Paul attended Texas A&M University, where he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets and took part in the beloved tradition of Aggie Bonfire while earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering. His education set the foundation for a long and impactful career, but his heart always belonged to service.

In 1970, Paul joined the United States Coast Guard, serving with honor until his discharge in 1973. His commitment to duty didn’t end there, he spent 22 years in the Coast Guard Reserve, eventually retiring as a Commander in 1995. His leadership and dedication reflected the values he carried throughout his life.

That same year, on May 24, 1970, Paul married the love of his life, Shirley Roll Rabuck, at First Presbyterian Church in Port Arthur, TX officiated by Jay K. Rabuck. Their journey together spanned 55 years… years filled with love, adventure and the joy of raising a family. Together, they built a home filled with laughter and love.

Paul’s professional career began at Gulf Oil in 1973, where he flourished in various roles… engineer, plant manager, international sales, he even played a critical role in opening an LNG terminal in mainland China. His work took him across the globe, yet he always found his way back home to the people he cherished most.

One of his favorite places on Earth was Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico a place where his love for scouting, the great outdoors, and mentorship intertwined. He wore many hats during his time there, serving as everything from kitchen staff to Ranger and Wrangler. An Eagle Scout himself, Paul instilled the same spirit of adventure and honor in his three sons, all of whom followed in his footsteps. One of his most cherished memories was trekking over 100 miles through Philmont in 1991 with his boys, his brothers, and his nephews, conquering challenges from the Tooth of Time to the summit of Mount Baldy.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and scouting adventures, Paul was a man of faith and fellowship. He was a devoted member of Woodville Methodist Church, singing joyfully in the choir every Sunday morning. He also found a special camaraderie in the lunch crew at the Woodville Nutrition Center, where he shared meals, stories, and laughter with dear friends.

Paul’s battle with cancer began in 1997 while living in mainland China, unaware that pain in his back was a growing problem. A few months later, he could barely walk and an MRI revealed the truth… his L-4 vertebra had been destroyed by a tumor.

With no time to waste, Paul and his wife flew to Houston, where doctors found his bones riddled with lesions. While his initial prognosis was six months, the people at MD Anderson felt they could do better… Surgery rebuilt his L-4 and spine, and clinical trials followed… one risky trial after another along with his positive attitude turned six months into almost thirty more years with his family and friends.

Paul passed away on April 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, a fitting end for a man who had spent his life building strong connections and creating lasting memories. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his children, Jayson (Gina) and their children Mark, Chloe, and Grayce; Josh (Melissa) and their children Leila, Piper, and Priya; and Jon (Amber) and their children Noah, Avery, and Owen. His Brothers Jay K. Rabuck (Susie) and their children Justin, Jeremy, and Carrie Sue; Robert Rabuck (Betzy) and their children Shelli, Keeley, Andrew and Grace. His Sister-in Law Roxie Roll her children Kevin and Denise; Brother-in -law Mike Roll (Joye) and their children Matt and Mindy; Brother-in-law Randy Roll (Damon Crenshaw); sister-in-law Candy Gonzales (Alfonso) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

A man of integrity, adventure, and generosity, Paul leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. His stories of service, exploration, and love will be passed down for generations.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:00PM at Woodville Methodist Church @ 508 W Bluff St, Woodville, TX 75979. Funeral services will follow, on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 2:00PM at Woodville Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Wintermute. Paul will be laid to rest at Campground Cemetery, following the funeral with military honors.

Pallbearers are Jayson Rabuck, Josh Rabuck, Jon Rabuck, Mark Montalbano, Justin Rabuck, Jeremy Rabuck and Andrew Rabuck

Honorary Pallbearers are Herbert Morrell, Carl Wayne Swinney, Phil Hart, Cecil Fortenberry, Tony Brockthrup, and Alva Cook.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be directed to Woodville Methodist Church.

May his spirit continue to guide those who loved him, as he takes his final trek toward his heavenly home.

Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas.