Paul’s retirement was technically effective January 1, but his last full day of overseeing a school full of students and staff was the last day of school before Christmas break.
We’ve all been so excited for Paul! Once school started back after the summer break of 2023 I’d find myself thinking “this is the last time Paul will” for this or that. And as the last week approached I thought this is the last Monday, the last Tuesday, etc. Paul was so busy with his principal duties and his daily bus route I doubt he spent much time thinking about the ‘lasts’ like I did.
On that last day before Christmas break I texted him early that morning and told him how proud I was of all he had accomplished, of the wonderful way he had taught and led in the schools since he first started right out of college so many years ago. I also told him I knew Pap would be really proud of him too.
Paul said it was funny I mentioned Pap. He said as he got ready for work that morning he thought about how Pap was the reason he went into the education field, first as a teacher and later as a principal.
A couple of weeks ago the school had Paul a retirement party. It was supposed to be a surprise. The girls and I were supposed to entice him to come by telling him we were playing music for someone who retired. Someone accidentally mentioned the party to Paul so it wasn’t a surprise but it was a lot of fun.
I was really moved by the folks who spoke about what Paul had meant to the school and I know he was too.
Some of the family was sick that day, but most of us got to go. I was especially happy Granny felt like going.
Even though the music was part of the ruse, the girls did play a few fiddle tunes as background music while folks ate and visited one with another.
Hopefully now that Paul has more time we can do more music videos together—whether we’re playing or discussing songs. I’d also love to interview Paul about his life.
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Congratulations Paul!! May the good Lord continue to bless you as you enjoy those wonderful days of retirement. It’s always a nice surprise when you join Tipper on her You Tube channel.
Congratulations, Paul. Now. you will have more time to do other things you love. I’m looking forward to your interview. Also, if you don’ t have a bucket list. make one, and start checking things off. Just as the kids will miss you, you will also miss them, but will see most of them when you are out and about.
Congratulations to Paul! Happy Retirement!
Psalm 118:24; 113:3.
Congratulations Paul! All God’s blessings to you on this milestone.
I hope you will be doing more videos about songs and their histories. You are so talented! And, the song histories cannot be forgotten.
Y’all remind me more and more of my folks. My 2nd cousin Greg was a school principal as well as the bus driver for many years. It was a very small school district in the Kiamichi mountains of SE Oklahoma. I asked him about it once and he told me he “just got tired of foolin’ around tryin’ to keep bus drivers hired.” Dedicated educators like Greg and Paul are getting hard to find. Good for Paul.
Congratulations, Paul!
I am so happy for Paul that he can retire and do somethings that he wants to do!!! But it is especially sweet to know how well thought of he is in his career field. I always follow your blog, all the YT channels and feel especially close to the family. I am so glad you all are willing to share with us. Continuing to pray for Granny, Katie, and Corie–and of course, the whole family. Stay well!
PS Please thank Matt for the video about knife sharpening.
PAUL CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT.
As a fellow educator, I truly admire Paul’s leadership and commitment to the children and families in your Appalachian community. (I marvel at his driving the school bus while serving as principal.) I am especially glad to learn Granny was able to join the celebration. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring tribute to your brother with us. Pap is surely proud. God bless!
Is that Ben or Mark? What are the little girls’ names?
Remington-it is Ben and Margaret and Ann Marie 🙂
Congratulations to Paul on his retirement. May he enjoy many years ahead in good health and happiness.
Thank you putting the names of songs the twins played. I wish they had sung Marie’s Wedding. The lyrics really make that song pop, IMO.
So happy for you Paul. I will be watching for Tipper to interview you. You are such a great singer and your playing is so awesome.
I’m so glad your mom was well enough to attend the party in your honor.
Congratulations to Paul on his retirement but most of all for devoting his life to teaching and caring for the children in his community. May God bless him as he pursues his plans for the future.
Congratulations on your retirement Paul! I’m sure your students and staff will really miss you.
Paul, Stay busy and you’ll stay young. I retired in 2005 and still teach English to immigrants. They keep me busy and involved.
I’m sure Paul will get a lot of advice about retirement life. Best I could advise would be what works for me and likely wouldn’t fit. So I’ll just say, “Congratulations. Enjoy the change of pace and the greater opportunity to work on (or not) those projects you have told us about.” I think from what Tipper has posted about Pap that he taught you by example what kind of education is the best. I’m confident you were always about the best kind. That kind reaches past the head to touch the heart – and lasts. I say things poorly but I believe you know what I mean.
Congratulations, Paul! Retirement doesn’t mean you retire from life … it just means you change what you were doing. The key is finding purpose in what you do after you retire. If so, retirement can be the happiest, most fulfilling years of your life (voice of experience :). I’m sure Paul won’t have to look far to find purpose in the Pressley family. I read somewhere long ago that Uncleing and Auntieing are noble professions. lol!!! Whatever you do, enjoy it to the full. Happy retirement!!!
Congratulations Paul on your retirement. Love all the pictures and especially granny. love her to pieces. Great tunes! I always wanted to play the fiddle but I don’t have it in me.I had one and sold it. I bet he will miss it. I did my Retirement .I will draw my my first Retirement in May. but unfortunately I have to keep working cause I won’t draw enough but that’s ok. I love my job that I do.I want yo do it as long as I can.
Congratulations Paul! What a beautiful picture! So happy Granny could be there and with Katie and Corie being there to play such lovely music I know it made it even more special. I wish you much joy as you start on this new chapter of your life. My husband retired from his job January 15th, exactly forty-seven years from the day he started, January 15th, 1977. We were counting down the days too. He had always heard that you would know when it was time and boy was that ever true. I can already tell his stress level is way down and he’s sleeping so much better. We are blessed and look forward to this new chapter in our lives also.
Good morning, Tipper! Congratulations to Paul!! I didn’t know he was a principal till I read your entry for today. In videos I’ve seen of him, he comes across as a gentle, loving, supportive person which I think are qualities a principal, and family man needs. I love watching and listening when he sings with Corrie and Katie. You can just feel the love he has for his music and his nieces. I wish him many years of happy retirement. I will really and truly look forward to you interviewing your multi talented brother!! I am keeping Granny in my prayers every night and was so glad she was up to being a part of celebrating her sons party. May God bless you, and yours, and all your faithful followers!
Congratulations, Paul! I hope you are able to enjoy your retirement, being with family and look back on a successful career touching so many lives. The pictures show that you were well-liked in your community. My thoughts were along the lines of what Laura Lee said about you helping Tipper with the corn. Did Matt not talk to you about what to expect from his boss once you aren’t working full time and are living so close to her? Just kidding of course. You probably already helped a lot behind the scenes and know what to expect. I would like to see a video interview with Paul to know more about him. I am amazed at the talent in your family, not only regarding music but other talents as well. Thanks to Paul and all the Wilson and Pressley family for all you have done and continue to do to make this a positive world. What a great legacy for Pap and Miss Cindy and all those who have gone before.
Congratulations Paul!!! I’ve admired all your talents since I first started reading Tipper’s blog and at that time I don’t think I knew you had a job as school principal. I loved your singing harmony with Pap. At that time, your music was plugged in somehow to the blog so we heard the music while we read the blog. It was wonderful to see Granny there to enjoy the celebration too!!!
Congratulations Paul! Sounds like you had a legacy of a good teacher and principal! You will be surprised at how much there is to do in retirement! Enjoy. God bless, Richard and Ramona
Congrats is a small word that means so much. You guys came from some fine stock and are passing it on. That picture is a treasure and Granny looks so good, and the smile shows her ‘proudness’. (Like that word)….Prayers for Granny and all of you guys…God Bless
I listened to the girls playing their wonderful music on you tube yesterday. They both look so happy and healthy. Congratulations to Paul on his retirement. I worked as a teacher’s aide and retired as school secretary a couple years ago, and I loved my job also. I definitely miss seeing all the children and working with and talking to all my work friends every day. But…I am so happy being retired and having time to do all of my projects, crafts, and many things I never seemed to have time to do. I love spending each day with my hubby and having time to help my parents and my children and grandchildren any time they need me. I am sure Paul will find that his life is still busy and full of wonderful people and things to do. Congrats again!
Congratulations Paul! I am a retired teacher and you will feel like a duck out of water for a very short time, then a whole new life begins. Yes! There is life after education! Tipper an interview with you and Paul would be so wonderful. I look forward to seeing him more in your videos, if he’s willing. Granny must be so proud. We were over your way yesterday while searching for snow. Drove Wayah Bald road, but the road up to Wayah was of course closed due to ice & snow. The ice on the trees was gorgeous, like millions of diamonds twinkling. Then we went through Andrews then down to the road to Peachtree. That drive along 19 is always so beautiful. The snow topped mountains were so lovely. Topped our drive off with a wonderful meal at Julie’s, then headed back home. Climbing Stair Gap looked like a huge frozen waterfall. Wish we had stopped & taken pics but it was getting late & the temp was dropping.
I wrote about the fear I had when I retired, I laugh and joke that it only took me one weekend to get over it, on the first Monday morning I didn’t have to go to back to work I quickly decided I was going to like this. On Sundays nights many of my father in laws children and grandchildren would be at his and their mothers house. When we would leave some of us would would say we sure hate to go back to work in the morning, his favorite thing to say was “I think I will just lay in bed and think about it.” My biggest regret about retirement is for my wife, she only got to enjoy 7 months of being retired. She only worked part time minimum wage jobs or not at all when our children were young and going to elementary school. She finished up by working 22 years in the deli at Walmart. She was the sweetest kindest person you could meet but would sometimes come home and cry because of having to put up with the attitudes of some of the customers. Some regular customers would not let anyone but her wait on them. Getting to spend my entire day with her for those 7 months she was retired were some of the happiest times of my life. Now because of her dying and my health – can’t do many things I want to do, retirement is not so much fun. 13 degrees here this morning, one more very cold night before warming up.
Congratulations to Paul on his retirement. Beautiful picture of you all together. Granny especially looked happy.
Congratulations to Paul! The photo of your family is incredible and should be blown up and framed. Granny looks fabulously well, and each and every one of you looks so happy that the photos nearly brought me to tears. I am so happy for Paul, and I, too, hope he does more music, particularly with Granny who has the voice of an angel, and with you and the girls. God bless this family, for all of you have surely blessed my life.
That’s so amazing! You should absolutely interview him an pick his brain! My uncle was principal for several years and as he told it, it was a hard job. There is so much to learn from the perspective of a Principal. Congratulations to your brother Mrs. Pressley! I bet it was a bittersweet day for him. A lot to overcome to finish the race, but a lot of sweet moments to cherish along the way.
The Appalachia Theologian Twins killed it on the fiddle and guitar! If they ain’t preaching they’re playing! Just pure talent all the way around!
You’re family truly is blessed with the Favor of God!
Retirement! A word that is certainly filled with emotions to many! Sometimes a very hard decision to make as one often walks away from something so much hard work, time, and emotions have gone into. In many instances, it not the challenge of the job that’s hard to leave – it’s all those truly “second family” folks that you no longer see on a daily basis. Congratulations, Paul; as Tipper noted, your accomplishments as an educator have made so many proud and I, with many others, wish you continued success in any future endeavors. And sure look forward to hearing more great “pickin’ and singin’ by you and the family” down the road. Love that great harmony!
Congratulations to Paul,
When I decided to retire from teaching grade school, I thought to myself, “what in the world will I do now?”
I’d gone to school as a student or as the teacher my whole life. It was a very tough decision. But, once the decision was made I never looked back.
Paul will wonder how he had time to teach and run his route.
Happy Sunday,
Carolyn
Congratulations, Paul! “A teacher is forever.”
Your years of service will live on through the generations of the children you taught!
I’ve been playing that video for my little one since Corrie and Katie posted it, she loves watching them play. Congratulations to Paul!
Congratulations to Paul on his retirement from the world of education. He had a wonderful career and touched the lives of many students and colleagues. God bless him as he enjoys the world of retirement. So good to see Granny was able to go and enjoy the accolades Paul received.
Everyone stay warm the warmer temps are on their way. 8 degrees here this morning with a wind chill of 0 (ZERO).
Congratulations to Paul! that’s a big accomplishment, I hope he has a long and fulfilling retirement. I’m sure granny will love having him around more now too. It was great seeing granny in the photo she is loved by so many of us out here it’s always good to see her. The girls did such a good job playing at the party I’m sure everyone enjoyed it. I bet Paul still can’t quite believe it. I know you will all miss Steve being right down the hill from you. It seems Matt is enjoying his well deserved retirement and that’s wonderful. Y’all stay warm out there.
Congratulations Paul as you start on this next chapter of life. I retired a couple of years ago to become a fulltime caregiver to my husband who has Parkinson’s. I thought I would go stir crazy at first trying to adapt to a new routine. Now I wonder how I ever had time to work. Enjoy your new schedule and routine.
What a beautiful photograph of Paul and all those balloons! Also, the photograph of you, Granny, Paul, the children, and the children’s children is marvelous! What a joyful and happy occasion that Paul gets to start the next phase of his life! Congratulations to Paul! A kid bus driver and principal both? It’s too much for me to fathom. Lol. I’d have jangled nerves for sure! He’s a warrior of sorts. The girls look beautiful and happy and healthy. I’d say the babies on the way listening to their mothers playing music and singing makes them highly intelligent and helps them in many ways! Blessings to all and May the Good Lord keep yas high and dry and fat and sassy til this cold snap snaps. On a high note, Im Making me a list of seeds I need. Did I mention I’m looking forward to spring? Lol GONNA PLUG FOR EDEN BOTHERS SEEDS-the SEEDIEST PLACE ON EARTH (not to mention home to billions of pickling cucumbers grown annually in that lush area for Mt. Olive Pickles.)
Congratulations Paul for your career and your retirement!! You will love having the extra time to pursue those things you didn’t have time for. Hopefully Tipper can give an interview of you or maybe you both can do a cooking video together on the channel. We all look forward to more music videos as well.
Paul seems so young to be retiring! What is the secret to retiring early in Southern Appalachia?
The girls background music was pleasant to listen to.
Congratulations to Paul. I’m a principal at a K-12 school here in northeast Alabama. I can relate to the highs and lows he’s faced over the years.
I forgot to say Granny sure looks like she is proud and had a good time. Praise the Lord she felt good enough to attend. She is so precious!
What a wonderful way to celebrate! Who are those two adorable little girls?
I am sure Paul has seen and heard a lot of things being a principal. That would be a great interview on how things have changed over the years.
I surely enjoyed the playing. Y’all should do an instrumental cd. It’s a great way to relax.
Thank you for sharing and congratulations to Paul!
God bless all y’all!
Debbie-thank you! Those are my great nieces 🙂
I love that picture of all of you! Congratulations to your brother.
Paul, congratulations. There aren’t enough words to express the debt we all owe to those special people who take on the responsibility of teaching our children.
I’m trying to go back to Tipper’s first post (have no idea of the date except sometime in 2008) and just now read her post of August 23, 2008 titled School Time. Seems an appropriate one given your retirement.
Not only are today’s parents expected to provide all supplies that a child might need during the day (with the possible exception of toilet tissue) but too many parents have assigned ALL teaching to the teachers: Manners, hygiene, responsibility for one’s actions, social responsibility, respect for themselves and for others, mental health…the list is endless. It seems that some parents have just reneged on all aspects of child-rearing and expect the teachers to do it for them. All the while, complaining that educators are over-paid or that they don’t work year around (actually, the year’s salary is divided by 12 in most areas and the teacher gets a check every month OR they may choose to be paid a slightly larger amount for the months school is in session) and forgetting that many teachers pay out of their own pockets for things that are needed in the classroom or by children who’s parents can’t afford supplies. Then many teachers work a summer job, too, to make their own ends meet.
(By the way, I have neither children nor grandchildren but I do have a vested interest in the quality of new adults that are coming out of our schools.)
I’ll get off my soapbox now and just say again, “Congratulations, Paul, and thank you for your years of dedication.”
Myra, I feel like today’s school administrators and teachers do not get the support like they once did in past times. I have several friends that either quit teaching or driving the school bus because of the behavior of a lot of today’s children. The teacher said some days I spend more time trying to maintain some form of behavior in my classroom (3rd grade) than I do teaching and then I get blamed for the students not learning or sued by their parents for trying to discipline their child. Their children love detention, it is just an in school vacation day for them. The bus bus driver quit because of the behavior of the elementary students on his bus cussing and laughing in his face if he tried to make them sit in their seats and behave. A lot of today’s children have never been disciplined and have been allowed to do pretty much as they please. I noticed this at work with the younger generations, it was never their fault, it was always the fault of someone else or something else when they messed up. Where did these young children learn to cuss and behave like they do – I would think from their parents. In my day and generation, most of us would have been afraid to come home if we had done these things in school.
Congratulations Paul! Retirement is like a second career. May you be blessed as I’m sure you will continue to be a blessing!
My congratulations to Paul on his retirement! I imagine there are many terrific memories associated with his teaching and then his leadership! I know I am looking forward to more music as I always enjoy his and all the families music. I really enjoy the twins singing and playing. It was great to see Granny at the party, may God continue to bless her and bring healing and strength to her.
God bless you and yours❤❤
Well said, Rita. Loving that second career!
He may end of being busier than when he worked. I wonder if you’ll have him helping with all that corn. lol. Ya’ll have so much exciting things coming this year.
thank you for praying for me and my family, its 7 degrees here in north Georgia, God Almighty please bless our utilities with your love care and protection in Jesus name, God bless you and your family , God bless me and my family
Congratulations Paul. I remember my father in law telling me this when he retired and me feeling the same way when I retired- “ walking away from my job is one of the hardest, scariest things I have ever done in my life”. After a lifetime of working, at the end of my last day, I went to my truck, sit in it and cried. I had worked at several other manufacturing jobs for a few years before working 38 years on blue collar manual labor jobs at Michelin before retiring. I first begin working summer jobs in other manufacturing plants when I turned 16 and went full time just as soon as I graduated high school. God blessed me with good health and dependable jobs, in my working life, I never worked less than 40 hours a week or was out on medical leave or light duty. I have never drew a dime of unemployment. Now I don’t miss the work, but I do miss my coworkers, many of them were like family to me and help me get through some of the hard times in my life. I still talk on the phone with some of them and plan to go to lunch with any that want to come next week. We have a lunch together on the last Tuesday on any month that has 5 Tuesdays. Seven Michelin coworkers that I know of have died since Thanksgiving, one them will be having his funeral this afternoon.