Paul Graham Barnhardt

Paul Graham Barnhardt, 86, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Jacob Barnhardt and Croppsie Frances Brattain Barnhardt; his wife, Sharon Tomas Sheetz Barnhardt and his first wife, Belva Howell Barnhardt; his stepsons John Sheetz and Jeff Sheetz; and his brothers, David Franklin Barnhardt and Donald Leon Barnhardt.

Paul was born and raised in the small town of Oakboro, North Carolina, and was known as Graham by all those close to him. He attended Appalachian State University and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, while working part time to support a young family. Graham was a dedicated father and family man with long, successful career working in the field of chemistry, first as technical support and then in sales for Burlington, Celanese, and Rhone-Poulenc. Throughout his career he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of colleagues and customers through his honesty, dedication, and determination.

When he wasn’t working, Graham enjoyed playing the guitar and basketball and the outdoors. He gave selflessly to the community and spent several years as assistant scout master for the local Boy Scout troop in Mooresville, NC. Graham also studied science, particularly enjoying archeology. He enjoyed travelling and he and Sharon travelled the world after his retirement.

Graham is survived by his sons; David and Janet Barnhardt of Dalton, GA, and Mark and Tabatha Barnhardt of Dalton, GA; his stepson, Joel and Sara Sheetz; step daughters-in-law, Joy Sheetz and Crus Sheetz; foster son, John and Karen Hedden; his brother, Oscar Brooks and Jane Barnhardt; grandchildren, Jennifer Leigh (Benjiman Joseph) Hartsock, Amie Lynn (Joshua Stephen) Spain, and Sarah Jane (Amber Marie) Barnhardt; great-grandchildren, Autumn Joy Hartsock, Noah James Hartsock, Stephen Daniel Spain, Charlotte Elizabeth Spain, and Philip David Spain; step grandchildren Jessica Sheetz, James Sheetz, Tiffiny Sheetz, Jade Sheetz, Garret Sheetz, Patrick Sheetz, Elisabeth Sheetz; foster granddaughter Taylor Wilcox; step great-granddaughter Presley Sheetz; and foster great-granddaughter Madelin Wilcox. He is also survived by several beloved nieces, nephews, and 10 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Paul will be remembered for his honesty and integrity, his energy and enthusiasm, and his love of family and friends.

A graveside service in celebration of Paul's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Oakboro Cemetery, Oakboro, North Carolina, officiated by Rev. Terrell Watts.