Paul Warren Manning

Paul Warren Manning

April 8, 1953 – September 17, 2024

“In My Mind’s Eye”

On April 8, 1953 Paul Warren Manning was born too early and too small.  His life began as a preemie struggling to survive in a hospital nursery’s incubator.  At that time medicine did not know that preemies receiving a high concentration of oxygen could result in blindness.  Paul’s vision became shadowed and darkened for a lifetime.

Often times in Paul’s life although he could not see he would say “In My Mind’s Eye”.  His “mind’s eye” was his sensory recollection or imagination when describing his experience.  I never really understood but I knew that he did and I found it comforting.

Paul was one of five children and he was treasured and cherished by his parents and his brother and sisters.  That being said he was very spoiled and this proved to be an asset to us children.  We knew that all we had to do was whisper in Paul’s ear to ask Dad if we could have ice cream and the ice cream was sure to come. We did not spare Paul of all of the rough and tumble that siblings inflict on each other; Paul was one of us.

Paul’s favorite pass time was listening to music and playing records, especially from the 50’s and 60’s. Paul had special skills and could identify a record simply by gently touching the surface of a record.  His fingers would follow the grooves and he knew this record was what he wanted to play next.

Paul was pure, kind, gentle, funny, smart and loving.  He loved and said I love you to everyone who assisted him, took care of him, brought him a meal or sneaked him a cookie.  Paul was the personification of love; he loved and he was greatly loved.

Paul knew the Lord and although he did not hold theological discussions about God he relished a good sermon.  He totally understood and held close to his heart the Grace of God and salvation.  When asked his favorite song it was Jesus Loves Me which he sang in its simplicity as a child.

With Paul’s passing those who love him mourn deeply.  My siblings and I pressed into our faith and sought comfort in the Lord knowing that he is with the Lord and our parents, free of pain.  I asked God if only I could take a peak into heaven and see Paul with my parents.  As I pondered this it was as though a curtain was peeled back and I could see Paul with my parents who were joyously laughing and smiling.  Paul was covered in youth and vigor his vision restored.  Jesus was there smiling well pleased with his beautiful and perfect creation. 

It was then that I understood Paul’s words “In My Mind’s Eye” and I found it comforting.

Paul Warren Manning is with our Lord and Savior this day as he reunites with his Mother, Mary Lila Manning and his Father Emerson Devon Manning.  We who are left behind continuing to love him include his deeply devoted brother Emerson Devon Manning Jr. and his loving wife Terri Deaton Manning; his adoring sisters Virginia Glover, Lila Kathleen Mitchell, and Rebecca Irene Manning. Paul was blessed with many nieces and nephews, William Denton Mitchell and his sons Jacob and River Mitchell; Jordan Davis and her husband Marc Davis and their children Frances and Nathan Davis; Emily Manning, Emerson Manning III and his wife Kimberly Manning, and a life-long family friend, William Ray Thrower.

Thank you, Jesus Christ for Paul’s precious life.  Now as we move forward, we will rest and find comfort in the shalom peace of our Gracious Lord and Savior knowing that our beloved Paul stands in the presence of the Almighty God Jesus Christ!

King of kings and Lord of lords!

Revelation 19:16

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