Paul Nelson Ackley, born November 12, 1937, in Danville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, at the Veterans Hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He was the son of John H. Ackley and Stache E. Dugan, who instilled in him the values of service, dedication, and family that shaped his long and meaningful life.

Paul entered the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, beginning what would become a distinguished 34-year military career. Through commitment, leadership, and compassion for those under his care, he rose through the ranks and retired in 1991 as a Commander in the Medical Service Corps. His service took him and his family to many locations across the United States and around the world, experiences he cherished and often reflected upon.

Paul first married Elizabeth, with whom he raised two sons: Timothy (born January 16, 1959) and Mark (born July 14, 1961). On October 20, 1984, he married Martha (“Marty”), with whom he shared a loving partnership of nearly four decades. Together, Paul (“Bubba”) and Marty blended their families into a joyful, bustling circle that grew to include seven children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren-each one a source of pride and happiness.

After retiring from the Navy, Paul and Marty made their home in Florida, where they became deeply involved in the Shriners. Paul’s dedication and leadership were recognized when he rose to the position of Potentate of his Shrine club. They treasured the friendships formed through this community and the many opportunities it gave them to serve others.

Paul and Marty shared a love of travel, adventure, and time spent with family and friends. In 2021, they moved to Virginia to be closer to loved ones, where Paul continued to enjoy the warmth of family gatherings and the comfort of being surrounded by those who meant the most to him.

Paul will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his lifelong commitment to service, his steady leadership, and the kindness he extended to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the generations he helped shape and the countless lives he touched throughout his military and community service.

Paul and Marty will be placed together at Arlington National Cemetery on April 9, 2026.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.