Dr. Paul Arthur Will, 77, of Alpine, Texas, made his entrance into heaven February 26, 2023 in Waco, Texas. Paul recently celebrated his birthday on February 9th. He was born to Arthur Walter and Mary Belle Denman Will in Weslaco, Texas. He met the love of his life Mazie Elizabeth McLellan, and they were married 52 years.
Paul graduated from Donna High School in Donna, Texas. While there, he was a member and President of the Donna 4-H Club and raised and showed sheep. Paul was a trombone player in the school band. Upon graduating, he enrolled at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas for three years before transferring to Texas A&M University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Upon graduating, he accepted a position as a Lab Technician at the Oklahoma State University Veterinary School. He moved to Stillwater with his new bride, Mazie. He later earned a Master of Science and PhD in Food Science with a specialization of Meat Science.
In 1978, Paul accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Animal Science (Meat Science) at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. He was a faculty member for 38 years. He served as Chair of the Department of Animal Science for 12 years and retired as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 2016. In honor of his devoted service to Sul Ross, the University named one classroom the Paul A. Will Lecture Hall. Paul loved working with his students in the meat lab and seeing their successful careers after graduation. His fondness for sausage making earned him the title of “Sausage King of the Big Bend.” He was President of the Alpine Rotary Club in the mid 80’s. He and Mazie were Alpine Band Booster Co-Presidents.
Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (PawPaw), professor, colleague, mentor and friend who loved the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Mazie; three daughters, Elizabeth Will Bates (Evan), Cynthia Ann Will McCumber (Scott), and Kathryn Brianna Will Estrada (BJ); and six grandchildren, Will, Wylie, Kelsi, Walker, Kodi, Kaycee, and granddogs, Jeter, Hope, and Rezi.
A memorial service will be scheduled and announced in the future.
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Paul Will was a good Christian, a good professor, and a good man. I am honored to have worked with him and been his friend.
He really was and just a joy to be around. I’m not sure if you remember me, Dr. Saka but you’re still my favorite history professor of all time. God bless you, Buddy.
Caleb Edwards
I am honored to have worked with Paul at Sul Ross. My condolence go out to Mazie and his family.
Mazie and family, we’re are so sorry to hear the sad news ab about Paul, God bless you and your family,Paul will always be remembered . Sul Ross was very honored to have Paul and Mazie as Professors, Our sincere condolences sincerely Dr Richard and Sara Bow
Our sincere condolences to the Paul Will family, as Paul will be very missed.God bless the wonderful family.Sincerely Dr. Richard Gluck and Sara Bow
We are so sorry to learn of your loss . We only met Paul one time when we were in Alpine to pick up Mary Bell but enjoyed our brief visit. We and Mary Bell send our condolences.
I am so very sorry for your loss Mazie. And to my kiddos his daughters who wer always such sweet hearts. Hugs to you all.
So very sorry for your loss. I’m glad we had a chance to visit in recent months. Thinking of you Mazie.
I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a wonderful man and my heart breaks for Mazie. Our family sends our thoughts ❤️
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss, Mazie.
I am so sorry for your and your daughters’s loss, Mazie.
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. My sincere condolences to Mazie and the girls. Paul was a special person. All who knew him were truly blessed.
Mazie and family we are truly sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mrs Will & Family.
My heart goes out to all of you, he was a great human being. He sure will be missed. My my condolences to you and your love ones.
My heart is sad. Prayers to Mazie and family. He was loved!!!
I was terribly sad to read this about Paul. He was
a wonderful man, friend, husband and dad. He and Mazie showed their caring hearts to many, including my husband and I. Paul leaves his legacy of “the way to live life “with you Mazie, the girls and extended family.
I am so grateful our paths crossed back in 1968. He was a treasure.
My heart is with you all and I am lifting your names in prayer.
Dr. Will was a great man. He was one of my favorite professors. When I was working on my Masters degree he would talk to me in his office when I was feeling overwhelmed. Back then he had a small office at the Range Animal Science Center. One day I was having problems from PTSD from Vietnam and I asked him if we could talk. He told sure and we set down in his office. I asked him what he would do when he felt bad and he told me to look out his tiny window. I looked out and he told me that you can see Mitire Peak from there. He said he would look at the Peak and remember good days he had spent near that mountain. That changed my life. Rest In Peace.
Prayers to the family especially in the days ahead. Paul was always happy and always had a smile on his face. Gods grace from the Reesing and Carroll families.
I worked for Paul and Maize while I was in college I absolutely loved working for them, Paul was a great man I would always go to him in times of destress he always had a solution to everything. Love you Paul A Will ❤️
I am so sad to see this! Dr. Will was an awesome, kind and gentle man. I truly enjoyed working with him during my time as a Meat Inspector. He always had an open door, good stories and a great smile!
Heartfelt hugs Ms. Mazie and to his precious daughters who he always spoke fondly of.
Rest in peace good and faithful Servant 🙏
We are very sorry for your loss Maize! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Paul was a high school classmate and band mate of mine and a class act whatever he did.
My condolences to Mazie and the Will family.
I am so sad for you and your family Mazie. I remember how much in love that he always was with you. He was a fine man in every way.
So very sorry for your loss.
3/4/23.. I knew Paul in HS and 4-H way back in 1966+. Mazieand Paul were a cute couple! I’ve lost track of them over years except for Their postings of victory dinners on ISU wins! ( made me smile!). I’m still at MDAnderson to begin my second cancer treatment on Monday with chemo. So I’ve been out of loop(phone). My love and condolences to Mazie and girls and extended family.
What a great man. Peace and comfort for Mazie and family.
Oh Mazie, please know I was much saddened to hear of
Paul’s passing. John and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family! You were and always will be an amazing couple.
So sad to hear this news Mazie and family. The love ya’ll shared was so special and he was always so proud of the girls. May your memories always bring smiles. We enjoyed working with you both at SR.
My condolences to you Mazie & your beautiful girls.
Paul was such a special person & very friendly to everyone. You both were true dedicated SR faculty.
He will be sorely missed & just know you have friends &
family to help you in this time of need.
Mazie, Bill and I are so sorry to learn of Paul’s passing. Paul was one of the best people I knew. We were in the band together and enjoyed great swimming parties and dancing parties! He distinguished himself greatly in every way. Our memories of this special man will be even more treasured. Much love to you and your daughters and their families.
Bill and Anne Collins Huser Class of 1965
My heartfelt condolences to Mazie, family and friends.
O sorrow deep, who would not weep over the passing of Paul, a man of God and family. My heartfelt love and condolences to Mazie , Elizabeth, Cindy and Catherine for the great times we had together. May God rest Paul’s soul.
Mazie, our heartfelt condolences to you, the girls, and families. May you all continue to feel God’s presence, love, and sweet spirit.