Paul C. Sly, of Inverness, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the family who adored him. He was 91 years old.
Paul was born in Troutville, Virginia, to the late John and Ona Mae (Blankenship) Sly, and from the very beginning, he carried with him the values they instilled—hard work, loyalty, and a deep love for family. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, an experience that shaped the quiet strength and determination he carried throughout his life.
Paul spent many years with BellSouth, where his dedication and leadership earned him the respect of coworkers and friends alike. He retired at the remarkably young age of 50, but anyone who knew Paul knew he wasn’t meant for a life of rest. He returned to BellSouth for another ten years, and even that wasn’t enough to slow him down.
One of Paul’s greatest joys was building homes—homes filled with love, laughter, and the comforting chaos of a busy family. Over the years, he built at least ten houses in Citrus County. Each one held memories, and each time he finished one, he felt a spark of excitement for the next. It wasn’t just construction for him; it was creating spaces where life could unfold. He simply loved to stay busy, and he poured his heart into everything he built.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and by his first wife, Donna Sly.
He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his loving wife of 40 years, Nancy Sly; his Son Keith Stevenson Sr. (Maribel), daughters Dianna McNally (Ron), Brenda Richards, Julie (Jewels) DiOrio (John), and Laura Beetow (Charlie); and his step-children Jason Koon and April Townsend. He was a proud grandfather to Tracy Taffer, Travis Taffer, Desiree Hannah, Justin Kerby , Lauren Richards, Shelby Beetow, Shane Beetow, Keith Stevenson Jr., Jerrod Stevenson, Rachell Stevenson Grijalva, Taylor Koon, Mason Townsend, and Matthew Townsend; a beloved great-grandfather to Devin Elliot(Isach), Tyler Reeves, Andrew Monset, Cadence Kerby, Jax Kerby, Sophia Taffer, Kameryn Taffer, Carter Rose Taffer and a cherished great-great-grandfather to Aurora Elliot and Aubrey Elliot.
To those who knew him, Paul was steady, kind, and endlessly hardworking. He was the type of man who showed love not just through words, but through the things he built, the people he showed up for, and the life he created with his own hands. Arrangements are in the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care, Inverness.
Add Comment