Paul “Sonny” Ervin Shultz

Paul “Sonny” Ervin Shultz, known to many as “Pappy,” age 82, of Ball Ground, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, surrounded by his family at Northside Hospital—a place he had come to appreciate deeply for its care, compassion, and endless supply of ice cream. He often joked about extending his stays there, claiming the attention and desserts were just too good to leave behind. Born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on October 28, 1942, Paul was the son of the late Paul and Ruth (Porter) Shultz. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Shultz. Paul graduated from John A. Brashear Joint Senior High School in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Class of 1961, and went on to study Mechanical Drafting at Williamsport Technical Institute (now The Pennsylvania College of Technology), graduating in 1964. He dedicated many years to public service, working for Old Lycoming Township from 1973 until his retirement in December 2002. Known for braving the elements during countless holiday snowstorms, Paul plowed township roads with dedication and had many stories to share from those nights. From 1977 to the early 2000s, he was a faithful and well-known employee of Johnnie’s News—you could always find him at the lottery machine with a huge smile on his face. After moving to Georgia in December 2007, Paul became a devoted member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming. In his leisure time, Paul found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Upon arriving in Georgia, he started the official breakfast club at Simply Southern where many faces came and went. He was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers (despite occasional frustration with their performance), enjoyed NASCAR races, classic westerns, war films, Braves baseball, and comforting reruns of The Waltons. Like his mother, Paul had a sweet tooth and loved his "pop." Fittingly, his final meal was chocolate ice cream with a Coke. In the 13 months leading up to his passing, Paul was under the care of Golden Age In-Home Hospice. His family is deeply grateful to Harley, his compassionate nurse, and Andre, his dedicated CNA, for their care. Special thanks also go to Larissa Brehm and Aaron & Carrie James for their care and companionship, and to Robert “Pepper” Bowe, Paul’s best friend, who brought weekly McDonald’s treats and shared time watching NASCAR and discussing Braves baseball. Paul's memory will be lovingly carried on by his children: Mark Shultz of Ball Ground, GA; Michelle (Alan) Eck of Cumming, GA; and Denise (Jim) Smith of Jersey Shore, PA; and Sweetpea, the last surviving chihuahua of his cherished six-pack. He was a proud grandfather to Jimmy Smith, Conner Shultz, Danielle (Chris) Innis, Valerie (Tyler) Welch, Cameron Eck, and Kaitlyn Smith. He is also survived by his sisters, Joyce (Jamie) Gregg, Nancy Gancos, and Sherri (Joey) Coggins, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly. We will forever remember his phone calls that began with, “What’s going on over there?” A Memorial Mass will be held in Paul's honor at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM. An outdoor reception will follow at the Antes Creek Fishing Club Pavilion. Please bring lawn chairs. Interment will be private and held at the family’s convenience at Edgewood Cemetery in Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Operation Smile (https://www.operationsmile.org/) or the Ovarian Cancer Institute (https://www.ovariancancerinstitute.org/), two causes that held special meaning for Paul and his family.