Paul M. Priest Jr.

Paul M. Priest Jr., 81, of Kingston, was welcomed into Heaven on October 6, 2025 at Adena Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born on January 23, 1944, in Chillicothe, the son of the late Paul M. and Ethel Irene (Dresbach) Priest Sr. On April 26, 1964, he united in marriage with his beloved wife of 61 years, Carol L. (Holcomb) Priest, who survives.

Paul is also survived by his numerous special nieces and nephews; aunt and cousins; and numerous other family members and friends whom he cherished.

Paul graduated from Kingston High School Class of 1963. He graduated from OSU Barber College and worked at Integrated Barber Shop in Columbus. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for 20 years before retiring as a Staff Sergeant. He was stationed in Germany for three tours and spent a year in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. He was also stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Irwin, California, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was a proud member of the VFW, American Legion Post 0291, AMVETS, and DAV.

After his time in the service, Paul owned and operated his own barber shop, Alley Barber Shop, in Kingston, for many years. Paul was an avid Chillicothe Paints fan and booster. He enjoyed traveling to many away games to support the team. During his time in the Chillicothe Paints Booster Club, he served as President and Treasurer.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the HILL FUNERAL HOME, Kingston with Rev. Jammie Wilhelm officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Kingston, with military honors provided by the Ross County Veteran's Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Hill's.

Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's honor to the Kingston Field of Grace Church (PO Box 335, Kingston, OH 45644) or Chillicothe Paints Booster Club (PO Box 715, Chillicothe, OH 45601). Condolences and floral gifts can be made on Paul's online tribute wall at www.hillfhkingston.com.