WDAM Viewpoint- Paul McMullan Tribute - WDAM.COM - TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports

May 11, 2011

I think it is safe to say that the Hattiesburg of today would not be the place it is had Paul McMullan not moved here in 1965 at the age of 36 to become the CEO of what was then First Mississippi National Bank.  He was a virtual force of nature and a visionary in many fields.  His name is synonymous with business, commerce and economic development.  His interest and influence however reached far beyond just those fields.  He was community minded in every way and had a zeal for philanthropy and charitable causes.  He was a tremendous supporter of the Boy Scouts.  We could go on and on listing the honors and achievements of Paul McMullan…but perhaps his success was most evident in the number of friends he made during his lifetime.  Many people's lives were changed for the better by the influence of knowing him.  He will be greatly missed by his family of course…and by so many others who looked to him as a source of inspiration, wisdom and positive living.  He was scarcely slowed down even by a heart transplant which he received close to 20 years ago…and radiated energy and charisma everywhere he went.  Paul McMullan died Tuesday of complications following surgery.  For all who knew him we share in your loss.  On behalf of our region we are thankful for his tireless efforts and many accomplishments.   May we all be inspired to do more, be more and give more because of the example he set.  I'm Jim Cameron and that's today's Viewpoint.