Paul Hawkins Christopher, a native of Mobile, Alabama, passed away peacefully at a local hospital on Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

Mr. Christopher was a 1960 graduate of Murphy High School and attended Spring Hill College. He was the owner of Alabama Upholstery Company for over 30 years. Paul had a passion for high school football. He was a member of the Metro Mobile Football Officials Association for 25 years as well as the manager of Ladd-Peebles Stadium. He was a 1996 inductee into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Mr. Christopher was a member of several Mobile Mardi Gas Men’s Societies, serving on their executive boards. He loved Dauphin Island and the LSU Tigers, but recently made room in his football heart to include the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers in support of his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Maude Christopher; two brothers: Fred Christopher Jr. and Raymond Christopher; two sisters: Lila Jean Walden and Ouida Fay Newell; and a son Joseph Bryan Christopher.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years: Jo Ann Handley Christopher; his daughter and son-in-law: Allison and Michael Peavy; granddaughters: Mary Emma Peavy and Sarah Elizabeth Peavy; other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018 in the Sanctuary of St. Matthew Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp S.M.I.L.E. in care of United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile, Attention Camp S.M.I.L.E., 3958 Dauphin Square Connector Mobile, AL 36607.

DIGNIFIED AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO SMALL'S MORTUARY, 950 SOUTH BROAD STREET, MOBILE, ALABAMA, 36603.