Paul A. Valdes, Sr. was born January 27, 1939 to Paul Valdes and Roslyn Burton in New York City, New York. The first grandchild for both families he was affectionately known as "Cookie" for his love of…

He attended Elementary and Junior High school in the New York Public School system. He graduated from Lucy C. Laney High School in Augusta, Georgia. He returned to New York City and enlisted in the Army Reserves National Guard and gained employment with the City of New York Department of Corrections. He served both for 25 years.

Upon retirement at the age of 45 he relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina. Here he started a new chapter in his life. Paul has always wondered about his spiritual journey from an early age. Having survived lead poisoning as a child and a devastating helicopter crash as an adult in the Reserves, he always felt God was calling him to do more in his Christian walk. He completed Education for Ministry (EFM), a 4 year course, on spiritual development. In this walk, he would go back to school at the age of 62 to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree from Greensboro College. He went on to prepare for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church.

Paul believed in helping others. After talking with an elderly gentleman who was collecting aluminum cans for income, he helped him navigate the system to gain social security and disability benefits. This was the start of the Episcopal Servant Center. Aiding individuals in obtaining entitlement benefits became a labor of love.

As he continued to develop on his spiritual journey, he came full circle recognizing the need for rehabilitation services for men transitioning from prison. This resulted in the establishment of Jericho House a program to rehabilitate, job train, spiritual development, and transcend men back into the community.

As a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Paul served in a variety of capacities including Deacon, Senior Warden, and Fundraising Chairman. In 1999, Paul became a Franciscan of the Third Order Society of St. Francis. His love of God and working with others who have been deemed to be "less fortunate" but are equal in God's sight, spawned several other outreach projects including Barnabas Network. Paul also served on several community boards including the founding boards of Well Spring Retirement Community and Canterbury School.

Paul leaves behind to celebrate his life, wife June Swanston-Valdes; sisters Paula Geeb and Nancy Flamerich; brother Michael Valdez; sisters-in-law Patricia Glover (Mikell), Dorothy Swanston, Stacey Holman and brother-in-law Michael Swanston. His children; Donna Valdes-Jeffers (Eduardo), Rhonda Valdes-Greene (Carlton), Paul A. Valdes Jr., Dana Valdes Brooks (Zackary), Darren Valdes, and Hope Y. Valdes. Beloved grandchildren, the apples of his eyes; Shannon (Byron), Lahna, Trevor, Z. Jalen, Gabriel, Trinity, Avelina, and Aria. One great grandson Aiden; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Greensboro, NC. Wake Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 6:00-7:00 P.M. at the church.