Paul Quillen

Cecil Paul Quillen, affectionately known as Paul, age 63, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, North Carolina, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Born August 4, 1961, in Morehead City, Paul was the beloved son of the late Leonard Quillen and Cecelia Oglesby Quillen. He graduated from West Carteret High School in 1979 and built a life deeply rooted in family, faith, hard work, and service to others.

Paul dedicated 33 years to Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, where he served as a lineman and crew leader. Known for his excellence and ingenuity, Paul mentored countless young linemen, earning statewide recognition as a champion in the annual pole top rescue competition. His resourcefulness and hands-on knowledge extended far beyond his profession—his talent for building, electrical work, and custom problem-solving made him a trusted helping hand and a creative force for his loved ones and community.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene Quillen, of Morehead City; son Jared Paul Quillen (and partner Cameron Ballou), also of Morehead City; and his cherished granddaughter, Harper Emory Quillen. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Jason Emory Quillen and sister Patricia Lynn Quillen

Paul also leaves behind his siblings: brothers Leonard Pyke Quillen and David Oglesby Quillen (and wife Lila Bess Quillen), all of Morehead City. He is remembered by his three stepsons, Dustin, Joshua, and Aaron Holdiman; stepdaughter Britnie Dixon; step-grandchildren; and dearly loved nephews and niece.

A man of deep faith and unwavering kindness, Paul was a partner at One Harbor Church and found great joy in serving others—never for recognition, but always out of a humble, servant-hearted love. After retiring, he volunteered with disaster relief efforts, most notably helping to rebuild Ocracoke after devastating storms.

Paul's joy for life shone brightest in the everyday: marveling at nature, boating, surfing, hiking, hunting, gardening, and bringing light and laughter wherever he went. His sense of humor, resilient spirit, and love for people just as they were, touched the lives of all who knew him. Even in his final days, Paul's faith in Jesus radiated peace, strength, and joy.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, July 17th, at One Harbor Church in Morehead City with arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and available for 30 days via Paul’s obituary page on the funeral home's website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the One Harbor Church “Disaster Relief Fund”, 1605 Fisher Street, Morehead City, NC 28557, in Paul’s memory.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.