Mr. Paul Edward Talbert, Sr. was born on May 17, 1934 to General JC Talbert and Alberta Redwine Talbert. On Saturday, July 5, 2025 he peacefully transitioned from this life at the Hinkle Hospice House.

Mr. Talbert proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a faithful member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued to worship and serve with dedication. Prior to that, he was a longtime member of Ezekiel AME Zion Church, where he served faithfully as a Trustee. His life was deeply rooted in faith, service and purpose.

A 1952 graduate of Dunbar High School, Mr. Talbert was honored as the class Salutatorian. He went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University on a football scholarship, where he proudly played as a member of the Aggie football team. He majored in Biological Sciences and minored in Chemistry, laying a strong academic foundation for what would become a lifelong career in education.

He completed his student teaching at Church Street School in Thomasville, North Carolina. After graduating, he accepted a teaching position at John J. Wright High School in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where he taught science to students in grades 8 through 11.

Mr. Talbert later returned to North Carolina and dedicated his professional career to Lexington City Schools. There, he served faithfully as a science teacher, coach and driver education instructor until his retirement. His impact as an educator and mentor is remembered by generations of students and colleagues.

In 1978, Mr. Talbert and his sisters, Brenda, Dorothy and Irma, all earned master's degrees from North Carolina A&T State University-an achievement that reflected their shared passion for education and lifelong learning. That same year, Paul and his sister, Kiwana T. Crump were elected as Co-Presidents of the PACE (Political Action for Candidate Election) Coordinators for the Lexington City Unit, demonstrating their commitment to educational advocacy and civic leadership.

Mr. Talbert was also deeply engaged in his community. He was a member of the NAACP and held memberships in several esteemed organizations, including Acacia Lodge No. 66, Jno. G. Lewis Assembly, Al Khattab Temple No. 201, the American Legion Bank Miller Post 255 and the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE).

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: General Wayne Talbert, Don Re Talbert, and Kenneth Talbert; and four sisters: Dorothy R. Talbert, Evelyn T. Roberts, Kiwana T. Crump, and Norma N. Talbert.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Betty Talbert; his children, Paul E. Talbert, Jr. (Davette) and Carla Ann Talbert; his beloved granddaughter, Andi Talbert; his brother, Dwight Talbert, Sr.; two sisters, Irma Talbert and Brenda Talbert; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

A very special thank you to Hospice of Davidson County, Salisbury Veteran Service and the VA Hospital for all your care and love for Paul.