It is with great sadness that the family of Paul R. Rickell, Jr. announces his passing away on May 29, 2026, in Saad’s Hospice, at Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL where he received excellent care.
Paul was born to the parentage of Paul R. Rickell, Sr. and Mary Catherine Travis Rickell on October 1, 1943.
As he grew, he began his early education at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School. After completing eighth grade, he went on to McGill Institute from which he graduated in 1961.
Soon after graduating from McGill, Paul joined the US Navy and was then sent to San Francisco, CA for basic training and then sent on to San Diego to further his training in Electronics. After his completion of his training, he was assigned to USS Pledge, homeported in San Diego, CA.
After being honorably discharged, Paul applied for employment Southern Bell Telephone Company and shortly after was offered a job as a Lineman in Mobile, AL. He worked in various positions during his career all of which revolved around the cable repair aspect of the repair department. He worked at the Telephone Company until October 31,1995, at which time he retired to care for several family members.
Paul enjoyed fishing and hunting for many years, especially saltwater fishing both on his boat as well as the boats of others. One of his greatest tales was when he hooked, fought, and caught a 35+lb redfish on a Zebco 33 reel on Dauphin Island.
He is predeceased by his wife, Rennie Ann Borders Rickell; his son, Virgil E. Rickell; and four sisters, Marguerite R. New, Grace L. Rickell, Loretta A. Rickell and Mary R. Buhring.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Norman V. Rickell and Terry L. Rickell; three nieces, Mary Catherine Buhring, Cindy McCain and Anita Marie Redd; and his nephew, John F. Buhring, Jr.
Please note that in the eight weeks before his passing, he received excellent care from many RN’s, LPNs, and other staff members at Providence Hospital and Saad’s Hospice Care.
His family is abiding by his strict directives that he wishes there will be no visitaiton, church or graveside service.
In lieu of flowers and in Paul’s honor, the family suggests memorial donations be made to any non-funded, no-kill animal shelter of your choice or to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/donate.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL is assisting the family.
Paul was a great person, a good friend, and an excellent co-worker. He will be missed.
Paul was an exceptionally wonderful fun brother that loved with his whole heart, I will miss him immensely forever.
It’s hard for me to put in to words judt how much Paul meant to me over the past several years. After Norman and I moved to Alabama it gave us the chance to spend quality time together. I will always cherish those memories. I’ll especially miss making his favorite cookies at Christmas time.
Uncle Paul emulated unconditional love for those he cared about. He exuded quiet strength and a sense of calmness and confidence in difficult situations. Conversations over the past several years really helped me to understand his life experiences in the military, his appreciation of different cultures, and how it led to a broad mindset when when it came to accepting people who look, speak, and live differently than us. I will miss our conversations ❤️. RIP Uncle Paul and praying your homecoming was joyful. ✝️
Cathy Buhring