I’ve known Pdub now for about nine years. We were pledge brothers and college roommates. We have remained close friends ever since.
Paul truly is one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever known. He may be the only friend that I’ve never had a dispute with. Just always laid back and willing to do whatever to ensure those around him are enjoying themselves. Even on his wedding day seven weeks ago… we finished playing golf at Country Hills in Hendersonville, and his new father-in-law Luther, offered to take the groomsmen out for lunch. When he asked Pdub where he would like to eat, he looked at us and said, “It’s up to these guys.” Always wanting to make those around him happy and keep the spotlight off himself, even on his wedding day.
He loved music. And it runs in his blood. Named after his grandfather Paul Warren, the great fiddler, as well as his father Johnny Warren who is another talented fiddle player, Pdub had a gift when it came to music. I have been playing guitar since middle school. Paul picked up the guitar around the time we started college. I showed him a few riffs, and within two years, he had blown past me and continued to improve. In fact, we played “Free Bird” for the 2005 Cowboy Show our senior year. Our preparation in large part consisted of Pdub sitting in our den, listening to the guitar solo and picking out the proper notes. Then he would show me how to play that segment. As he played up the neck, he made it look so effortless. He truly was gifted, and anyone with eyes could see he loved to play.
Pdub loved the ladies as well and had a few special women in his life. His mom, Kathy, was always supportive and took good care of us… as evidenced by his lack of knowledge that you have to clean the lint filter out on the dryer from time to time. She could be found at all of his tournaments and shows. He shared his love of golf with his sister, Lori. They look just alike and share many of the same personality traits. He doubled as her caddy from time to time, as she also played golf at the collegiate level. He was always looking out for her and was always very proud of his little sister. Paul grew up in a close-knit household that instilled the values in him that we all have come to love and respect. He was always looking for the perfect girl. And he finally found her in Molly. They had so much in common. He had found a girl who enjoyed going to watch the Titans football games as much as he did, and who would sit and listen longer than most as we played song after song on the guitar. Both great athletes. Both loved to laugh. He was crazy about her.
To me and many others, he was a great friend. His best friend was no doubt his father, Johnny, or Pops as he called him. There was not a day that went by that they didn’t talk. I remember so many times over the past nine years where he would call Johnny to ask his advice or share exciting news. They both loved playing golf together, going to Vandy basketball games, playing music and shooting down to Augusta during April for the Masters. He thought the world of Johnny. They had a unique relationship. Paul was always a joy to be around. I think you would be very hard pressed to find a person who had something negative to say about him. We all loved him and will miss him.
Ralston Major, a Lipscomb graduate and friend of Paul Warren, submitted this tribute to Lumination.