Paul Raymond Zachry

Paul Raymond Zachry was born in Shelton, WA on October 8, 1969. A lifelong resident of Shelton, he passed away on January 18, 2023. Paul was the youngest child of the late DeLoss & amp; Ethel Zachry. He is survived by his siblings: DeLoss Zachry, Jr. WA, MeLinda (Bobby) Wentz, OR, Melonie (Dana) Carroll, FL, and Robert (Donna) Zachry, WA.

Paul graduated from Shelton High School in 1988. In 1989, Paul had an accident that left him a quadriplegic. During the days following the accident, Paul experienced a profound spiritual encounter that sustained his faith throughout the next 33 years.

Rather than choosing bitterness and depression, Paul purposed his broken body to be an instrument to share the profound peace and joy, strength and hope, love and grace, patience and endurance he found through faith in Jesus Christ. He went on to complete pastoral studies, becoming a licensed minister.

Paul, as all young men, experienced love, loss, heartbreak, times of questioning and anxiety, even anger, but he was quick to repent and quicker to forgive. Always wanting others to know the reason for the joy he felt in spite of his situation, he shared the message of God's hope and grace to all who he encountered whether neighbors, caregivers, medical personnel or random encounters

Although Paul left no children of his own, he became a surrogate father, uncle, and brother, mentor, encourager and confidant to Shelton's youth. His nieces and nephews: Jason Quantz (deceased), Christine White, Robin Forshey, Miracle Fingerson, Noah Quantz, Hannah Rule, Faith Gurel, Isaac Carroll, Emily Roy, Haley Scott, Rebecca Sulak became his arms and legs throughout the years which enabled him to enjoy camping, boating, working on his car, target shooting and traveling. He leaves behind 20 grand nieces and nephews.

Paul will be missed by faithful friends Patty Simmons, Diana Greenman, William Whitten and many others.

The family encourages the community to follow the Paul R. Zachry Memorial Group on Facebook for memorial information and to post a message of Paul's impact in their lives or send a note ℅ Del Zachry 301 E. Capital Prairie Rd, Shelton, WA 98584. Instead of flowers, please make a donation to the Shelton Warming Center/Crazy Love Ministries.