Paul Anthony Alie

Paul Anthony Alie also known as Anthony Elie passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the age of 81. Tony (as he was known by close friends and family) was born to parents, Maizine Elie and Arnold Williams, in Arima, Trinidad on June 30, 1942. As a young man, he enjoyed playing the steelpan (musical instrument) in the All-stars steel band. In Trinidad, he also worked as a tailor and in the textile factory. He was always well dressed.

In 1970, he immigrated to the United States to attend college. However, times were tough for him in New York, and he ended up dropping out of college. When he became a US citizen, he changed his name from Anthony Paul Elie to Paul Anthony Alie, hoping that a name change would bring him better luck in life. Paul worked in a variety of jobs in New York, Texas, and Florida. Prior to retiring, he worked as a warehouse supervisor for Prosource in Apopka. Later, he went back to work as a greeter at Walmart. No matter where he worked, everyone loved Paul.

Paul married Elnora Alie, (nee Simmons) the love of his life, in Apopka, FL in 1999. They had previously dated back in the late 1970s in New York and had lost contact with each other. Once reunited, they were inseparable. Together, they enjoyed gardening, traveling in the US and abroad, and volunteering together at Hill Top Community Center in Umatilla. Paul had moved to Umatilla in 2007.

Paul was an elder at Umatilla Seventh Day Adventist Church where he taught Sabbath School, conducted prayer meetings, and preached sermons when Pastor was available. Paul was known to greet the church with “Good morning. I love you.” He had previously served as a deacon at Fountain of Life Church in Apopka.

Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Paul managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. Paul loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He enjoyed talking on a weekly basis to his children, grandchildren, siblings in the US and Trinidad, and his many in-laws and friends. He had a way of making everyone he met or spoke to feel special. He is survived by his wife Elnora Alie; children, Sherry-Ann Elie-Daniels, Wade Celestine, Taraisha Simmons, Charles Simmons and Luc “Kevin” Decessard; in the US, brothers, Cyril and Roger; in Trinidad, brothers, Cecil and Junior, and sisters, Jenny Elie-Crooks, Bernice, Althea, and Debbie; 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and countless extended family and friends.

A private viewing and gathering for the family and close friends will be held at the Harden/Pauli Funeral Home. Paul requested that he be cremated.

The memorial service for Paul will be held at a later date at his home church of Umatilla Seventh Day Adventist Church at 1400 N Central Ave., Umatilla, FL 32784.Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.