Leonard James Paul was born on June 3rd, 1942, in Lake Charles, LA. The eldest of ten children, he was raised by his beloved grandparents, the late Jake & Hattie Paul. He was a life long resident of Lake Charles, attending W.O. Boston High School. Leonard worked for many years in the fencing industry, and in his later years before retirement, he worked in the industrial plants.

Leonard, affectionately known as "LJ", enjoyed cooking; he was known to make a mean pot of gumbo, along with various other culinary specialties. His hobbies included fishing, raising Rottweilers, and physical fitness. He enjoyed growing plants, reading, listening to music and absolutely loved going to the movies. He also would spend Sundays watching his favorite team, the New Orleans Saints. Leonard loved spoiling his twin grandbabies, and they affectionately called him "Gramps".

Leonard leaves to cherish his memories, one daughter, Carla (Eddie) Paul Sterling, and one son, Vernon Keith Paul, both of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, the twins, Jasmine Vital and Jaylon Vital of Lake Charles and Ebony Paul of Watertown, New York; one brother, Rufus Walter (Velma) Butler of Lake Charles; six sisters, Catherine Ann Raymond of Lake Charles, Jeanie Butler & Girdie (Mitchell) Kelly of Maryland, Audrey (Brian) Hanchett of Hawaii, Shirley (Henry) Hargrove and Betty (Bobby) Miller of Texas, as well as a host of other relatives including uncles, aunts, nieces , nephews, cousins , & friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jake & Hattie Paul, parents, Chester and Viola Butler, his former wife Oradine Harrison Paul, sons, Victor Wayne and Vincent Lynn Paul, and sisters Rosie Lee "Rolee" West and Brenda Joy Butler.