Dr. John M. Paget Sr.

Dr. John Mauldin Paget Sr. died on January 10, 2023, surrounded by family, in Marietta, GA. John grew up in Greer, SC, where he met and eventually married his high school sweetheart, Patsy. Following graduation from Greer High School, John attended Clemson University before accepting early admission into the University of GA Veterinary School. Following graduation from UGA, John returned to Greer with his young family and opened a veterinary practice. In 1960, John accepted a veterinary position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, first in Cumming, GA and then in Gainesville, GA. He retired after thirty years of service and began consulting for Fieldale Farms. As a young man John spent most of his time hunting, fishing and exploring on his father’s farm with his childhood best friend Billy Taylor (Butter). He raised farm animals for 4-H and Future Farmers of America projects. He also enjoyed raising homing pigeons. John’s love of the outdoors and wildlife continued into adulthood, and in the late 1960’s he traded his fishing gear and rifle for a pair of binoculars and a spotting scope to watch and study birds. This turned into a lifelong passion. He traveled the world in search of new species to add to his life list, often with his best friend Jack Carusos. He published numerous articles of his sightings in the GA Ornithological Society’s publication, The Oriole, and was widely recognized for his contributions to the knowledge of birdlife in Georgia and beyond. John’s extensive birding journals were donated to the University of North Georgia. John was preceded in death by his parents James Suddath Paget Sr. and Ruth Cunningham Paget, his brothers James and Ben and his sister Jessie Lamb, as well as his loving in laws, JB and Myrtie Cole. John is survived by his love of 70 years, Patsy Cole Paget of Greer, SC. his four adoring children Pamela Paget-Wakefield (Jim), Eve Wettstein (Fritz), John M. Paget Jr. (Susan), and Jessica Reese (Alan) and in-laws Nancee Paget, Carolyn Cabaniss, and Alan Cole. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Brad Andersen, Abbie Keppler, Bernie Gomez, Rachel Thomas, John M. Paget III, Sarah Stevens, Christine Barron, Benjamin Paget, Eliza Reese, Rebecca Reese, eight great grandchildren, Ryley, Brendan, Chad, Grayson, Lucy, Rilynn, Thomas, Elizabeth and one great-great grandchild Rylan. John was a most humble, unique and honorable man of few words who rarely shared his opinions unless asked. When he spoke, his words were important, meaningful and wise. He is remembered for his love of family, ornithology, Clemson Tigers, and the Atlanta Braves. He is also remembered for his generosity, great storytelling, clever sense of humor, guitar and ukulele playing, beautiful singing voice, and pitch-perfect whistling. His grandchildren will fondly remember dangling their feet in the many koi ponds he maintained and naming their favorite fish. The family would like to express heart felt appreciation for the caretakers at Sterling Estates of East Cobb, Yanzhi Zhang and Wellstar Tranquility Community Hospice for their dedicated care. A funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at The Wood Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Keith Kelly. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the mortuary prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, if you are inclined to make a donation in John's memory, please consider donating time or money to your favorite wildlife organization. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Dr. John M. Paget Sr.

August 9, 1934 - January 10, 2023