Paul Wright Killian, Jr., died peacefully in the early afternoon of October 12, 2017. Born in Wilmington, N.C., on September 6, 1942, Wright lived most of his life in Lumberton, N.C. He taught psychology for more than 32 years, was a long-time department chair, and served for a period as assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNC Pembroke. He received the distinguished professor award in 1990, served on the UNC Faculty Assembly, was Chair of the Faculty Senate for three terms, and received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine upon retirement in 2002. Married for almost 17 years to a loving Christian wife, Ila Paul Killian, Wright was a man of many interests and few words. He was a lighthearted, intellectual family man who valued common sense, good friends, and good nonfiction books. He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N.C., in 1960. Wright later received his PhD in psychology from North Carolina State University and his BA and MA in psychology from East Carolina University.

Wright was active in his children's lives and served as a Boy Scout leader for many years. He was very involved with First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton: attending men's Wednesday-morning Bible study and singing in the choir. He also volunteered at Monroe Camp and Retreat Center, improving the camp for kids. At Midway Presbyterian Church he served as an elder for two terms and sang in the choir.

Wright is survived by his wife Ila Paul Killian; son Paul Garrett Killian; son Stephen Wright Killian and wife Emily Mabry; son Jonathan Scott Killian and wife Ashley Bumgarner; stepdaughters Theresa Gray Brady, Rebecca Ann Gray-Carr, and Mary Ila Oxendine (Rodney); and thirteen grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother R. Wayne Killian, sister Julia C. Killian, brother C. Thomas Killian and wife Pat Deck Killian, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Wright was known by his gentle strength and kindness, his wisdom and generosity, and his humble Christian spirit. He will be remembered with love, joy, laughter, and contemplation, for those are things he offered the world.

Wright was preceded in death by his loving parents: Paul and Inez Killian (1998) and his loving wife of thirty-two years and mother of their three sons: Mary Edith Garrett Killian (1998), also of Wilmington.
The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15. 2017, with visitation at 3:00 p.m. (preceding the service).

There will be a graveside service Monday, October 16, at 12:00 p.m. in Wilmington at Greenlawn Memorial Park.