Mr. Cleotus Denard Pauling, Sr. was born on December 13, 1937 to the late Nellie Cora Pauling and Alonzo Babe Pauling in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After a life well lived, he passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

He received his early education locally and attended Atkins High School. He was employed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a machine operator for 35 years and retired in 1995. Cleotus enjoyed repairing and shining shoes and became the proud owner and operator of Pauling's Nearby Shine Parlor. A master carpenter and woodworker, he took great pride in the skill and knowledge he used to complete each project.

At Emmanuel Baptist Church, he was a member of the Veteran's Ministry and participated in other church activities. He loved listening to music, especially jazz.

Cleotus was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie Cora Pauling and Alonzo Babe Pauling; his bonus mom, Ida Lee Pauling; son, Cleotus Pauling, Jr., and siblings: his twin, Veotus Pauling, Alonzo Pauling, Jr., Carlstonia Pauling, Ezel Pauling, Mondell Pauling, twins, Harold and Gerald Pauling.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Tillery Pauling; devoted children: Curtiss Pauling, Larry Pauling, Kevin Pauling, Ronald Pauling, and Clevette Holbert; bonus children: Catherine T. Bell, Reginald (Trevonia) Gaither, Bobby Lee Gaither (Michelle), Gia Tillery; brother-in-law, Odell (Barbara) Tillery; sisters-in-law, Charlene Little Tillery and Jackie Pauling; and a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and special friends of the family, Dr. and Mrs. James (Sandra) Branch.

Mr. Pauling may be publicly viewed Friday, March 11, 2022 from 12:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be private.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here