I know only that he was living in Richmond and I think he died just last September. It really was sad to hear. My father coached him in football at one time and said that Paul had the most natural talent in football of anyone he ever coached.
I have a picture of Paul from a field trip to Appomattox--I think he made me take it, but now I'm glad that I have it. Rest in peace, Paul. I miss you.
Just tonight I talked to Paul's brother, Scott. He told me Paul did pass away about four or five months ago. Paul was at home at the time he died, the cause is still unknown.
Paul Andrew Mustian and his family had been living and working in Richmond. He had a special young man, a son named James who is about 13 years old. Paul and his wife Hope had been together about six years before they married, altogether twenty years. Quite a long time to be together.
I first remember Paul from about eight years old, we played minor league baseball together over at Cave Spring Elementary School. Being a little bigger than most of us, Paul was kind of intimidating especially as a pitcher who could throw pretty hard at you. Even at a very young age he had good instincts, natural abilities. And he was just getting started.
Paul was a very gifted star on every field he played. Track. Of course. But I believe he chose football to be his brightest arena to shine. In a pick-up game one Sunday at CSJH, I remember Paul was surrounded by probably five defenders. Paul was so quick, swift and agile, he eluded every single one of them totally unscathed. He could head fake, juke, his feet like lightning, his concentration, spot on. Dazzling!
Another vivid memory about Paul, he was a catalyst. Whether it was his all-star play or his big personality, he got everyone else so psyched-up, one thought he could take on the world and win. Paul had the secret. People liked him, coaches wanted him. No matter what it was, if Paul put his mind to it, he could succeed.
In football, as in life, when you get knocked down, you have to get back up. Paul kept getting back up. Beyond Paul's grit and determination, he was a cut-up, too. Cafeteria time was not just for eating but for finding out who was going to get into the most trouble. Sometimes it was Paul, or whoever was sitting with Paul. Remember Big Wheel? I always liked Paul, everybody liked Paul. Paul was natural.
Scott also mentioned this evening his brother had been doing iron work for a living. A little bit later tonight I was leaving Church when, coincidently enough, I picked up this brochure about upcoming men's activities. It was titled "Iron Sharpens Iron." I started thinking this is no coincidence at all, this is just the way God works. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Paul was the Iron that sharpened the Iron.
Paul was one of the personalities that made many of us feel Cave Spring was better than other schools. After all, weren't we right?!! We like you, Man. I just regret my words are so few, maybe inept, but in all of our hearts and minds, and thanks be to God in Heaven above, Paul, you live on, friend!
Tonight Scott even said to make sure and tell everyone Paul says "Hello, up from above." Realize, it is nice to know the man is in the right place now. God loves all His children, and we are all His children. We love you, Paul. You sure have put a lot of smiles on our faces.
Never was there a question about the man behind the smile. Paul was Paul. Before people were saying, Bo Knows, or, Be like Mike, we had Paul. You are a Cave Spring Knight through and through. I sure would like to give you a mighty handshake about now. Believe, the pleasure is all ours. Your entire Class of '78 salutes you! Respectfully, Brian E. Parker (2/24/08)
Brian,.... My comment really is to you.. What an amazing job you did with that article.. I am impressed with your writing skills.. Very personal and very well written..
Paul, A very special person in my life. We had a very unique relationship. I have thought of you often since high school. Think of you often. Don't put off until tomorrow what we should do today. Wish I had talked to you, wish I could talk to you. I will always remember you. You will always be a very special part of my memories and my heart. I will cherish the time years ago when we ran into each other accidentially in Richmond. I will miss you always. You were with us but a short time. Love Always, Terry
I remember the first time I saw Paul was on the Track at Cave Spring Jr. High,he was running like the wind, I believe it was 8th grade, I was on the Track Team for the first time and thought my God the boy can run. He was a nice, good looking guy that if he walked by you and smiled most girls melted. He always had a beautiful smile. I ran into him in Richmond at a 7-11 Store back in 1982, still a great smile. He will be missed, may God watch over all of us as we gather together. Thanks Paul for all the times you smiled at me....Jeanne
I live in Richmond and read in the paper today that Hope Wills Mustian age 42 died on August 9th. It said she is survived by her son James Paul Mustain. It did not say anything about Paul but I am almost positive she was Pauls wife. If so, I feel so sorry for their son.
Sue, I live in Richmond as well, and did find out that it was Paul's wife Hope that also just passed away recently. I'm with you thinking that poor child losing both parents within a year, how devastating. I understand that Hope's brother also lives in the area and has custody.
Paul.....what a fun guy. I will never forget #44, Cave Spring Jr. High Football team. The only player with hair on his chest at 13 yrs old. I had alot of fun with Paul over those jr.high and early high school years. I think the last time I saw him was at the 10 yr reunion. He hadn't changed a bit, still looked good as always. He will be missed, and I will keep his son in my prayers as he accepts the loss of both of his parents, and tries to continue on with his life!
Paul was in our Sunday School class in Jr High and early High School. Dave Case, Wayne Sowder, David Key, and a few other CSHSers were in it as well. Paul was an incredible athlete early on, probably because he matured 5-10 years ahead of the rest of us. He was so strong and coordinated in the 8th and 9th grade it was simply amazing. Though sometimes walking on the more free-spirited side of life, he was always a real gentleman to me, whether at school, church, or playing JV football in the 10th grade. I am very sorry to see him go so early in life.
Betsy Crow
I know only that he was living in Richmond and I think he died just last September. It really was sad to hear. My father coached him in football at one time and said that Paul had the most natural talent in football of anyone he ever coached.We will all definitely miss him!
Robert Haskins
I have a picture of Paul from a field trip to Appomattox--I think he made me take it, but now I'm glad that I have it. Rest in peace, Paul. I miss you.Brian Parker
Hello Friends:Just tonight I talked to Paul's brother, Scott. He told me Paul did pass away about four or five months ago. Paul was at home at the time he died, the cause is still unknown.
Paul Andrew Mustian and his family had been living and working in Richmond. He had a special young man, a son named James who is about 13 years old. Paul and his wife Hope had been together about six years before they married, altogether twenty years. Quite a long time to be together.
I first remember Paul from about eight years old, we played minor league baseball together over at Cave Spring Elementary School. Being a little bigger than most of us, Paul was kind of intimidating especially as a pitcher who could throw pretty hard at you. Even at a very young age he had good instincts, natural abilities. And he was just getting started.
Paul was a very gifted star on every field he played. Track. Of course. But I believe he chose football to be his brightest arena to shine. In a pick-up game one Sunday at CSJH, I remember Paul was surrounded by probably five defenders. Paul was so quick, swift and agile, he eluded every single one of them totally unscathed. He could head fake, juke, his feet like lightning, his concentration, spot on. Dazzling!
Another vivid memory about Paul, he was a catalyst. Whether it was his all-star play or his big personality, he got everyone else so psyched-up, one thought he could take on the world and win. Paul had the secret. People liked him, coaches wanted him. No matter what it was, if Paul put his mind to it, he could succeed.
In football, as in life, when you get knocked down, you have to get back up. Paul kept getting back up. Beyond Paul's grit and determination, he was a cut-up, too. Cafeteria time was not just for eating but for finding out who was going to get into the most trouble. Sometimes it was Paul, or whoever was sitting with Paul. Remember Big Wheel? I always liked Paul, everybody liked Paul. Paul was natural.
Scott also mentioned this evening his brother had been doing iron work for a living. A little bit later tonight I was leaving Church when, coincidently enough, I picked up this brochure about upcoming men's activities. It was titled "Iron Sharpens Iron." I started thinking this is no coincidence at all, this is just the way God works. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Paul was the Iron that sharpened the Iron.
Paul was one of the personalities that made many of us feel Cave Spring was better than other schools. After all, weren't we right?!! We like you, Man. I just regret my words are so few, maybe inept, but in all of our hearts and minds, and thanks be to God in Heaven above, Paul, you live on, friend!
Tonight Scott even said to make sure and tell everyone Paul says "Hello, up from above." Realize, it is nice to know the man is in the right place now. God loves all His children, and we are all His children. We love you, Paul. You sure have put a lot of smiles on our faces.
Never was there a question about the man behind the smile. Paul was Paul. Before people were saying, Bo Knows, or, Be like Mike, we had Paul. You are a Cave Spring Knight through and through. I sure would like to give you a mighty handshake about now. Believe, the pleasure is all ours. Your entire Class of '78 salutes you! Respectfully, Brian E. Parker (2/24/08)
Linda Grubb
Brian,.... My comment really is to you.. What an amazing job you did with that article.. I am impressed with your writing skills.. Very personal and very well written..Terry Adkins
Paul, A very special person in my life.We had a very unique relationship. I have thought of you often since high school. Think of you often.
Don't put off until tomorrow what we should do today. Wish I had talked to you, wish I could talk to you. I will always remember you. You will always be a very special part of my memories and my heart. I will cherish the time years ago when we ran into each other accidentially in Richmond. I will miss you always. You were with us but a short time. Love Always, Terry
Dave Kase
Paul was in my Sunday school class somewhere around 10th grade. He was a nice kid, kind of quiet but easy with the smile.I remember he shaved in 7th grade which we all found completely amazing.
Paul was in high demand to get on our softball team in junior high gym class. He was our only chance of winning against coach Deeds.
Jeanne Worrell (Bell)
I remember the first time I saw Paul was on the Track at Cave Spring Jr. High,he was running like the wind, I believe it was 8th grade, I was on the Track Team for the first time and thought my God the boy can run. He was a nice, good looking guy that if he walked by you and smiled most girls melted. He always had a beautiful smile. I ran into him in Richmond at a 7-11 Store back in 1982, still a great smile. He will be missed, may God watch over all of us as we gather together.Thanks Paul for all the times you smiled at me....Jeanne
Sue Hicks (Noftsinger)
I live in Richmond and read in the paper today that Hope Wills Mustian age 42 died on August 9th. It said she is survived by her son James Paul Mustain. It did not say anything about Paul but I am almost positive she was Pauls wife. If so, I feel so sorry for their son.Bonnie Davis (Knighton)
Sue, I live in Richmond as well, and did find out that it was Paul's wife Hope that also just passed away recently. I'm with you thinking that poor child losing both parents within a year, how devastating. I understand that Hope's brother also lives in the area and has custody.Paul.....what a fun guy. I will never forget #44, Cave Spring Jr. High Football team. The only player with hair on his chest at 13 yrs old. I had alot of fun with Paul over those jr.high and early high school years. I think the last time I saw him was at the 10 yr reunion. He hadn't changed a bit, still looked good as always. He will be missed, and I will keep his son in my prayers as he accepts the loss of both of his parents, and tries to continue on with his life!
Dwight Holland
Paul was in our Sunday School class in Jr High and early High School. Dave Case, Wayne Sowder, David Key, and a few other CSHSers were in it as well. Paul was an incredible athlete early on, probably because he matured 5-10 years ahead of the rest of us. He was so strong and coordinated in the 8th and 9th grade it was simply amazing. Though sometimes walking on the more free-spirited side of life, he was always a real gentleman to me, whether at school, church, or playing JV football in the 10th grade. I am very sorry to see him go so early in life.