Paul Michael Braun

Paul Michael Braun, 55, of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Born in Burke County, NC on September 21, 1961, he was the son of Rosemary Anthony Braun and the late Evart Almerion Braun. Paul was a devoted member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and Linville United Methodist Church. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family dearly. Paul was the founder of Citizens to Save Lake James and led the fight to protect Lake James from overdevelopment and protect the watershed. He was instrumental in protecting the land for the new Lake James State Park. Paul won the Nancy Susan Reynolds Award in 2004 and was 2005 Morganton Man of The Year. He also loved riding motorcycles. Paul enjoyed music and playing the harmonica and having fellowship with his friends at Fonta Flora in Morganton. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking, camping and spending time doing anything outdoors.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Braun is survived by his wife, Mary Hull Braun of the home; a son, Cory Braun and his wife, Samantha; a daughter, Mary Faye Lyle; grandsons, Zachary and Jack; siblings, William Braun, Kathleen Braun, Suzanne Duncan and husband, Bobby, Anthony Braun and wife, Sandy, and Loretta Braun; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, Paul was preceded in death by a sister, Emily Stump; and a brother, Aubrey Braun.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, January 9, 2017 at Linville United Methodist Church with Rev. Kathy McAbee and Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will greet friends in the church reception hall from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Linville United Methodist Church, 3625 Fish Hatchery Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Foothills Conservancy, P.O. Box 3023, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.