Paul Francis Carlton Sr.

Paul Francis Carlton, Sr., of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on April 7, 2026. He was 93.

Born in his family’s home in Hawthorne, Florida, on March 22, 1933, Paul was the youngest of eight children. A lifelong resident of Alachua County, he made his home in Gainesville following his return from military service. He shared 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Nancy, and together they built a large and loving family.

In his youth, Paul had a newspaper delivery route, pedaling his bicycle through the rural areas east of Gainesville as he delivered newspapers—including to the home of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in Cross Creek. A history buff and news junkie, he read the newspaper daily from cover to cover and instilled this habit in his children.

During the 1950s, Paul attended the University of Florida before proudly serving in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Following his service, he returned to work for the family business, Carlton’s Dairy in Hawthorne, in the role of Sales Manager. A natural salesman, his talents served him well in later ventures and positions, including noteworthy stints at Gruver & Associates, Holiday Foods, and Wade Raulerson of Gainesville. His career was defined by strong relationships and hard work.

Paul valued civic duty. He never hesitated to write letters to the editor of the local paper or to his elected representatives regarding issues that were important to him. A lifelong Florida Gators fan, he bled orange and blue and remained loyal through every season.

He was known for his deep appreciation of lasting friendships, keeping in touch with old friends through handwritten letters and phone calls. Paul also had a rich collection of stories, often delivered with a devilish smile. Many treasured tales and bits of history have been lost with his passing.

Above all, he cherished family gatherings. Within the family, his prowess in making chicken wings and in throwing darts and horseshoes, and his delight in hosting Easter carnivals for his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren are legendary.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Dorothy Kea Carlton, his wife, Nancy Marie (Hill) Carlton, and his siblings: John Thomas Carlton Jr., Anne Carlton Chamberlin, Marie Kathleen Carlton, Elizabeth Carlton Tillman, Catherine Carlton Gambill, Wesley Kea Carlton, and William Alexander Carlton.

He is survived by his children: Theresa Bowers (Michael) of Waldo, Florida; Carolyn Ritch (Vernon) of Daphne, Alabama; Paul Carlton, II (Lori) of Gainesville, Florida; William Carlton (Annemarie) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Nancy Hanson (Michael) of Gainesville, Florida. He was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Graddy,” as well as many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

For those wishing to honor Paul’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, in recognition of a cause that was meaningful to him.

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Carlton family.