Paul Allen Ebbs Jr.

Paul Allen Ebbs, Jr., of Flowery Branch, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, aged 88, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville from respiratory failure. Mr. Ebbs was a native of St. Louis, Missouri, born to Paul Allen Ebbs, Sr. and the former Elizabeth Wetmore, on May 14, 1921. Mr. Ebbs was raised in St. Louis, and fell in love with his future wife, Jeanne Jordan, while growing up there.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Ebbs enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country in both the Atlantic and the Pacific and rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Until the end of his life, Mr. Ebbs fondly recalled his time in the Navy, particularly his shipmates from USS Knapp (DG-653) with whom he served in the Pacific. With his brothers aboard the Knapp, Mr. Ebbs fought his way across the Pacific, ultimately to be present in Tokyo Harbor for the surrender of the Japanese. Mr. Ebbs received the Purple Heart and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat â