Paul Kistler Gable Jr.

Paul Kistler Gable Jr, 86, of Clemson, SC, passed away on January 30, 2026.

Paul was born on December 30, 1939, in Pelzer, SC, to Paul K. Gable, Sr. and Bessie Cox Gable. He attended Pelzer Elementary and then Belton Elementary and High School, where he graduated in 1958. He attended Clemson University (then Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina), graduating in January 1963 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Paul played trumpet in the Tiger Band all through his college years. After graduating, Paul went to work for the USDA Crop Reporting Service in Columbia, SC, as a statistician. He entered the U.S. Army Reserves in July 1963 and trained as a medic. He served on active reserve duty until early 1964. He continued his commitment in the inactive reserves until his honorable discharge in April 1969. In 1969, he received his dream opportunity to return to Clemson to work for the University. Paul retired from Clemson in 1996 as the Assistant Director of Extension/Fiscal.

Paul truly loved spending time outdoors. An avid runner, Paul and his friend ran every street in Clemson and rated their runs in a journal. He enjoyed hiking with his family and friends. Always up for another hike, he was able to hike both ends of the Appalachian Trail and many sections in between. He was also a kayaker and enjoyed many trips through the Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia. No matter where he was, he would likely have binoculars in hand for birding. Paul passed his love of the outdoors on to his children every chance he could. He moved through the world with an infectious laugh and a genuine interest in others; it was often said that he never met a stranger and left a trail of friends everywhere he went.

Paul was an active member of Clemson United Methodist Church and served on numerous boards and committees. He was also a member of the Clemson Lions Club for many years and served as an officer at the local and district levels. He would help out wherever he could and loved to be supportive and encouraging to his family, friends, and coworkers.as

After he retired, Paul developed a love of colorful, mismatched socks. The socks led to more new friends and conversations. The socks became an extension of his personality, always vibrant and never a matching set.

Above all, Paul enjoyed time spent with his family. He spent many hours driving the boat to drag grandsons (and sometimes his children) around the lake on inflatables at Camp Grandparents. He welcomed time spent with children and their spouses, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. If he could help with one of their projects, he was even happier. He went through the world with a warm and loving spirit.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Bessie, and by his brother, Joseph.

Paul is survived by his wife Jo, their three children Wendy (Bob) Pierce, Matt Gable (Charlton Douglas), and Ginger (Brian) Phillips, three grandchildren, Drew, Will, and Ben (Mary) Pierce, as well as his sister, Patsy Gable (Ron Tupper), and sister-in-law Sarah Gable. He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 2:00 pm at Clemson United Methodist Church. The family will receive visitors following the service in the Christian Life Center. All who knew and loved Paul are welcome to attend. If you are unable to attend, the service may be accessed on the Clemson United Methodist Church YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Clemson United Methodist Church (300 Frontage Rd., Clemson, SC 29631), Clemson University Outdoor Laboratory (Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0737), Clemson Community Care (105 Anderson Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631), or a charity of your choice in Paul’s me