Tribute to Paul Barclay

Service for Paul Barclay will be held on July 16 at 3:00 PM (updated) at 1st Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem with a reception following. The family has requested in lieu of flowers for donations to be made to Young Life (see end of post for specific details).

I received a phone call late Saturday night from a close friend informing that our beloved friend and mentor, Paul Barclay had passed. Farrah, Michael, and now Paul. Although the media will not latch onto Paul's passing like Michael's, I can assure you Paul personally touched equally as many lives. Paul truly was a man built for others. Early in my college years, I was introduced to the Barclays by my college roommate, Huck, who volunteered with Young Life. At the time, Paul's wife, Lynn, was the Winston-Salem Young Life Area Director and Paul volunteered (as he did for well over 30 years). Anyone who has ever met Paul does not easily forget him. His bigger than life personality inevitably draws attention to him wherever he goes.

After college, while still living in Winston, I joined a Bible study on Monday nights with Paul and a group of guys. Paul always wanted anyone and everyone to feel welcome. He hated "closed" Bible studies; he preferred an "open door policy" to anyone who desired to grow in Christ. Every Monday night, we'd meet and share our lives. Your history didn't matter, not with Paul. He loved each of us immensely. Notes, emails, phone calls, chastising facebook messages were all birthed from his unwavering support of us. He never gave up on anyone because three sweet old ladies never gave up on him. He was a hellion by his own admission and a handful of Christian ladies prayed relentless until God changed his heart. As a result, he never gave up on people and never turned anyone away who desired to know more about Jesus.

His methods were "progressive," but his love was genuine, deep, and unwavering. His loyalty was unprecedented. If Paul believed in you, he would never leave you. He would always stand by your side. His wide frame offered refuge and solace whenever I or others were hurting. Like a bear protecting his cub, in his arms you felt safe, secure, and loved. One of his favorite phrases, which I have since repeated to countless others, is "I believe in you." Four simple words lifted my spirits and inspired hope for tomorrow. Paul was a storyteller; his stories were so outrageous that at times they seemed unbelievable. Equally unbelievable was his storied life: a UNC athletic star (swimming, football and soccer), male model, drummer for Sexual Chocolate who performed "I believe in miracles, you sexy thang," had a stint as a bull rider, black belt...among countless other amazing skills.

Most important in Paul's life though was always his family. He loved Lynn, John and PJ immensely. He knew the importance of family and prayed for countless of young people's future spouses. In my early twenties, Paul challenged me to make a list of my "dream" wife and he committed to praying with me for many years until the Lord blessed me with the wife of dreams. He would say "our God is a God of details, pray your heart." Unlike many, when Paul said, "I'll pray," I knew he would pray until God answered. Paul and Lynn would eventually serve as our pre-marriage counselors. Most people who knew Paul, know him as one of the funniest people they have ever met, but he used humor to draw others to Christ. His primary purpose in everything he did was to help others fall more in love with Jesus. Our mutual friend, Don Flow, offered, "Paul had a unique gift of holding in balance grace and truth in friendship. His playful and encouraging heart opened the door for him to offer wise counsel and direction. He was a man whose life bore much fruit and who brought God's blessing into many lives."

He certainly bore much fruit in my life, for which I will forever be grateful. He taught me friendships are lifelong; to never give up on people; to never close the door to someone who is hurting; to tell people how you feel about them; that what you "do" is not nearly as important as who you are; and loving others is the best way to encourage others to love Jesus. A dear friend, who taught me so much about what it means to be a man, a husband, a father, and most importantly a follower of Christ. For those who knew Paul, they would know Young Life was a huge part of his life. He loved kids with every fiber of his being. In speaking with the family, they have requested in lieu of flowers for gifts to send kids to camp in Paul's honor. Paul would do anything to get kids to camp...let's help him send as many kids as possible. Love you, Paul.

By Internet:

Step 1: Click on this link for Young Life Tar Heel Region Giving

Step 2: Fill in your Donor Information
Step 3: In the "Gift Designation" section, select Campership

Step 4: Click the box "This gift is in honor or memory of someone special." A box will pop up for you to insert "Paul Barclay" in the box.

By Phone:

877-438-9572

Step 1: For the TarHeel Region (AF32)

Step 2: For Campership

Step 3: In Memory of Paul Barclay

By Mail:

Young Life Tar Heel Region

1008 Brookstown Ave Suite D3

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Notes to Family:

271 Flintshire Rd

Winston-Salem, NC 27104-2737