Paul Royce Shaffer

92, of Buford, Georgia, formerly of Eaton, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, just eight days shy of his 93rd birthday.

He was born September 23, 1933, in New Lebanon, Ohio, to the late Paul B. Shaffer and Pauline “Polly” Sowers.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Paul “Pauley” David Wheeler.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Linda Shaffer; his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Robbie Williamson; grandchildren and their spouses, JD and Haley Wheeler, Rebekah and Bobby Moose, and Jonah and Heather Williamson; great-grandchildren, Alex, Andy, AJ, Finley, Abigail, Clementine, and Ozley; his sister, Mary Kay Hogg; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Charlie.

Paul was born and raised on a family farm, where life moved to the rhythm of the seasons. From an early age, he was out in the fields baling hay and driving tractors. Those early years instilled in him a deep respect for the land and a natural talent for figuring things out. That practical, problem-solving spirit stayed with him throughout his life. Over the years, Paul used his own hands and ingenuity to design and build equipment that made farm life a little easier and more efficient. He was always looking for a better way to get the job done.

In 1951, Paul answered the call to serve, enlisting in the National Guard. He served faithfully until 1959, carrying that same strong sense of duty, dedication, and steadiness with him throughout the rest of his life.

As the years passed, Paul found a new outlet for his energy and creativity in his garden, where he grew flowers bursting with color. Tending to his flowers became much more than a hobby. It was a place of peace for him—a quiet space where he could slow down, enjoy the beauty around him, and simply be.

Paul was a proud and passionate fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on. He also found great joy in the simple wonders of nature, spending hours bird watching in his backyard and delighting in the hummingbirds and cardinals that came to visit.

He loved spending time outdoors camping throughout Ohio, and when it came to vacationing, he had one simple rule: the warmer, the better. That usually meant heading to Florida.

But above everything, the farm, the flowers, the football, and the birds, Paul's family was the center of his world. His grandchildren meant everything to him, and nothing could light up his face quite like the arrival of his great-grandchildren. He cherished the time spent with them and loved sharing stories from his younger years. One story he frequently told was about racing his Studebaker down the big hill in Miamisburg—a memory that never seemed to lose its spark.

Paul will be remembered for his steady nature, his hardworking hands, his curiosity and ingenuity, his love of the outdoors, and most of all, the deep love he had for his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026—what would have been Paul's 93rd birthday—from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Preble Memory Gardens Funeral Center in West Alexandria, Ohio. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Dan Mershon officiating.

Paul will be laid to rest at Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to:

ASPCA

PO Box 96929

Washington, DC 20090-6929

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Shriners Children's

Attn: Shriners Children's

Processing Center PO Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394

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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105