Paul E Hostak

Paul Edward Hostak, 59, of Easley, SC passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

Paul was born to David and Marietta Hostak in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, September 4, 1963. Paul was by all accounts rarely found without a smile on his face. He was known for his laugh, hugs, and kindness. 

Paul was the second born of four children. He grew up in Houston, Texas. His parents, siblings Annette, Jean, and James enjoyed fishing at Lake Livingston. Paul was very close to his siblings throughout his life. One memory that his family will always treasure is his cooking a huge fish fry after a big fishing trip. 

Paul attended TH Rogers Jr High, where he first met his fiancée Sharon Royall in 7th grade. They belonged to the same friend group that continued throughout high school at Robert E Lee and have many shared memories. Paul was a gifted athlete. He won first place in the city track meet and in the 800-meter event. He made the varsity team in both football and baseball in his sophomore year. His football career included positions on the Offensive Line and Punter. Baseball was Paul’s greatest passion. He was the pitcher and was selected to the All-Star Team when he had an opportunity to play against Roger Clemens. Many fellow teammates expressed that Paul was a great teammate. Paul participated in other activities in addition to athletics. He was a member of FFA and raised a steer. On weekends, Paul worked at Voss Road Exxon for GV Reedy. At the end of his high school career, he was awarded a football scholarship from Sam Houston State University. 

In 1984, Paul decided to move to Abilene, Texas to continue working for the Reedy Company. GV Reedy mentored Paul and taught him the skills and strong work ethic that applied throughout his life. 

Paul’s love for Automotive & Nascar, along with great buddy Danny Turner, resulted in a move to Greenville, South Carolina in 1994. They opened a detail shop and raced cars. Eventually, Danny moved back to Texas and Paul joined Mr. McKinney’s team in Easley, South Carolina. He worked for McKinney Dodge Dealership for 27 years as Service Manager. Paul had a passion for helping people. When walking in town, he always saw a familiar face.  

Paul’s greatest pride and joy was his daughter Riley Hostak Jones. Riley was very close to her father and fondly recalls Saturday morning trips to Home Depot sitting on the tractors before heading off to yard sales. Paul taught Riley carpentry skills and how to refurbish furniture. They shared time turning pieces of furniture and other items into objects to be loved again. Riley has continued to master these skills and creativity. Together, they also enjoyed the love of food and cooking.

Paul’s shared hobbies with fiancée Sharon included gardening, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, and raising chickens. Paul enjoyed the wildlife at his home. He was an avid hunter and loved to fish. Attending concerts and the Greenville Drive Minor League baseball team games were fun past times. Paul’s and Sharon’s retirement plan was to move back to Texas and live at Lake Livingston. 

Paul is survived by his daughter, Riley Jones (Zach) of Marietta, SC as well as his fiancée Sharon Royall, Mother Marietta Hostak, Siblings Annette Culberson (Chris) of Houston, TX, Jean Steiner (Ken) of Phoenix, AZ, and James Hostak (Betsy) of Raleigh, NC.

He is also survived by his fiancée’s children, whom he thought of as his own, Cory Houston (Elysia) of Austin, TX, Haley Houston, of Houston, TX, Randall Royall (Sanja), of Houston, TX, and Roy Royall of Houston, TX. 

Paul was preceded in death by his father, David Hostak. 

A Celebration of Paul’s Life in South Carolina and Houston, Texas will be announced at a future date. Please check back for further details. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to MD Anderson Cancer Center in memory of Paul E Hostak.  

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.