Byron Paul "P.A." Ames

Byron Paul “P.A.” Ames passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. He was born on November 23, 1949, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and lived a life marked by hard work, quiet strength, loyalty, and deep dedication to his family, his country, and the people around him.

Paul proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1972. After his military service, he spent many years working for ABF Trucking as a Certified Master Mechanic. He was known for his skill, dependability, strong work ethic, and pride in a job well done. Following his retirement, Paul earned his associate degree and went on to teach at Pulaski Tech for more than a decade. He had a gift for teaching and mentoring, and he took great pride in helping guide young men as they learned a trade and prepared for their futures.

Those who knew Paul knew he could be stubborn, but they also knew that beneath that stubbornness was a deeply loyal and loving heart. He loved his family fiercely and showed his care through hard work, dependability, and being there when it mattered most. He and his wife, Deretha Ames, shared 53 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together. They especially enjoyed traveling and riding motorcycles, spending countless miles together on the back of his Harley.

Paul was a devoted father to Corey Ames, Michael Ames and his wife, Nicki. He was also a proud grandfather to Jared, Shelby, Sawyer, and Samuel Ames. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter-in-law Crystal Ames, as well as by his brothers, Gary and Clay Ames, and many extended family members and friends.

A man of the Methodist faith, Paul carried steady values throughout his life. He believed in hard work, commitment, and taking care of the people he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Ames and Lorine Harris Ames, and his sister, Susan Leslie.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff of the VA ICU and the 6th Floor Medical and Palliative Care Unit for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Paul during the past month.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at Saline Independent Methodist Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s honor to the Veterans Affairs program assisting with the daily care of veterans at (501) 257-3288 or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Byron Paul “P.A.” Ames will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved his family deeply, served his country proudly, and made a lasting impact on the lives of those he taught, mentored, and loved.