CENTRAL CITY – Paul Ray Uzzle, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Nelson Creek on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:45 AM, surrounded by family. He was born in Nelson Creek on September 27, 1939 to the Reverend Phillip Uzzle and Opal Mercer Uzzle.
Paul was a member of the “Class of 1957” from Drakesboro Consolidated School.
He spent some of his early years playing softball with many friends and family from Nelson Creek and Rockport, KY. He cherished these memories and remained in contact with many of these friends.
He was a charter member of the Nelson Pentecostal Church. He was a devoted husband, dad, grandparent, and friend to all that knew him. He rarely met a stranger and loved hanging out at the flea market just to visit with old friends and to also meet new ones.
His work ethic was unsurpassed. There were very few tasks he could not perform. Work was something he seemed to enjoy. His work history spanned several years and covered multiple vocations including a chemist for US Steel in Gary, IN; owner & operator of his own mechanic garage; foreman for Smith’s pallet mill in Nelson Creek; member of the Teamsters Union; laborer on the Hawesville, KY/Cannelton, IN dam; residential house construction; owner and operator of HVAC/Stokermatic business; UMWA coal miner; semi driver for KY ANFO; over the road transport driver for Brewer Machine and Brewco Inc; truck driver for TVA–just to name a few.
It took him several attempts to finally retire. Following retirement, he enjoyed his Tuesdays at the flea market with his friend Brother Greg Gill. He also enjoyed traveling, camping with family and friends, attending camp meetings nationwide, attending Southern gospel concerts, Bluegrass music, mowing his lawn, and helping his family with projects. The last several years, his favorite treat was “Little Debbie” honeybuns.
He married the love of his life Frances Fields Uzzle on February 18, 1958. They would have celebrated 68 years of marriage this year. Together they were blessed with eight wonderful children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Ricky Lynn Uzzle; one great-grandson, Jason Luke Wilson; four brothers, Willis Uzzle, Darrell Uzzle, Eugene Uzzle, and James Uzzle; and one sister, Mary Dockery.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Uzzle; children, JoAnn (Steve) Mills from Zachary, LA, Sharon (Keith) Shemwell from Nelson Creek, Phyllis (Marty) Shemwell from Union City, TN, Paul Uzzle, Jr (Deana) from Nelson Creek, Darrin (Celesta) Uzzle from Drakesboro, Jonathon (Heather) Uzzle from Madisonville, and Angela (Andy) Flener from Clinton, KY; 19 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11AM at Nelson Pentecostal Church in Central City with Paul Uzzle, Jr, Jonathon Uzzle, and Steve Mills officiating. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5-8PM and Sunday after 8AM at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Chad Mills, Shannon Shemwell, Christopher Shemwell, Patrick Uzzle, Braxton Uzzle, Travis Uzzle, and Jacob Flener.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the sitters that helped with his care: Trish Acord, Norma Avery, and Tammy Copus.
They also wish to thank the Heartford House in Owensboro for the wonderful care given to him while he was in their care.
