Paul Franklin Tebbutt, 90, a 45-year resident of Smyrna, died peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Dover Place Retirement Community. Born June 27, 1933, in Cleveland, OH to Cecil and Marion Tebbutt, he was the faithful husband to Mary (Zimmerman) for 70 years who was by his side to the end.

Growing up in Wilmington, Paul attended Conrad High School where he was a standout athlete excelling in both basketball and baseball where he held numerous school records. Upon graduation this ace left-handed pitcher was drafted into the MLB playing in the minor leagues for the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies franchises. The military draft cut short his playing days as he was called to serve as a radio operator for the US Army during the Korean War. In 1956, Paul began working for the Delaware City Oil Refinery where he became unit foreman and worked until retirement in 1988.

Paul and Mary lived in Newark before moving to Smyrna in 1979 where together they were active at Asbury United Methodist Church singing in the choir for over 30 years. Paul was also on the board of trustees and part of the Methodist men where he led many beautification, capital improvement, and service projects for the church and community. Paul was also instrumental in beginning the Boys and Girls Club of Smyrna.

Paul combined his love for sports and youth by officiating soccer, basketball, and baseball at the high school and semi-pro level for over 40 years. He loved calling balls and strikes the most and was honored on June 14, 1997 by being inducted into the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame for his amazing high school career, professional play, coaching, and years behind the plate. Paul enjoyed retirement traveling with Mary, continuing to putter around his backyard, feeding his birds and squirrels, and enjoying his 9 grand and 16 great-grandchildren. Paul loved gardening, rooting on all the professional Philadelphia sports teams, the Delaware beaches, and his family most of all.

Paul leaves in addition to his wife, his son Stephen and partner Vicki Vigneault, and his daughters Linda Paul and husband Don, MaryJane Bacon and husband Jim, and Sharon Hisler and husband Ken. Also, his brother John and wife Fran and sister-in-law Connie, wife of his deceased brother David Tebbutt. He was also preceded in death by his brother and his wife, Vic and Pat Tebbutt, sister and her husband, Martha and Harvey Williams.

Paul will be remembered as a loving family man bragging about his kids and their kids. He was a man of conviction and service. He was well-read and could talk confidently on a variety of topics which served him well since he never knew a stranger. We are thankful for his life and for his eternal home in heaven.

Visitation hours will be from 2-3pm on Sunday, December 17 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Funeral service to follow at 3pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Smyrna Clayton Boys and Girls Club, 240 E Commerce St, Smyrna, DE 19977.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.