Dr. Lynn Ford Paschall

Dr. Lynn Ford Paschall, Sr., age 75 of Paris, TN, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at his residence.

He was born in Paris, TN, on February 16, 1951, to the late Lindy Paschall, and the late Jo Nell Ford Paschall.

On June 12, 1970, he married Jackie Gillespie Paschall. Jackie survives of Paris, TN.

Lynn graduated as valedictorian of E.W. Grove School's Class of 1969. He continued his education at Union University, earning his bachelor’s degree and graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1972. He then attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 1976. On June 27, 1976, he was ordained into the ministry at First Baptist Church in Paris. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to faith and service, he later received a Doctor of Divinity degree from the American Institute of Holistic Theology on April 20, 2007.

He began his ministry as associate pastor of Ballardsville Baptist Church in Crestwood, Kentucky, before accepting his first pastorate at New Hope Baptist Church in Paris, Tennessee. In 1981, he was called to serve at Springhill Baptist Church and later became pastor of Scottsville Baptist Church in Scottsville, Kentucky, in 1987. He returned to Henry County in 1989 to pastor Mansfield Baptist Church before returning to Springhill Baptist Church in 1991. Later, he served both as interim and full-time pastor of New Hope Baptist Church for 15 years, until his retirement on December 31, 2012.

Lynn served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and devoted many years to Scouting, where he was both an Eagle Scout and a leader in the Order of the Arrow. He was a longtime member of the Western District Baptist Association, Henry County Ministerial Association, Tennessee Department of Human Services Support Committee, Rotary Club, Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, Paris-Henry County Arts Council, Covenant Home for Boys, and the National Rifle Association.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Lynn F. (Kimberly) Paschall, Jr., of Waverly, TN, John C. (Jenifer) Paschall of Paris, TN; sister, Linda Miller of Paris, TN; grandchildren, Hannah Paschall, Luke Paschall, and Lyndsey (Dustin Thomas) Paschall; brother-in-law, Joe Gillespie; niece, Laura (Zach) Carper of Paris, TN and nephew, Chad P. (Sabrena) Wilson of Jackson, TN.

Along with his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Jack and Betty Gillespie.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Glynn Orr and Howard Kitter officiating.

A private burial will be held at Maplewood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church.