Paul Edward Appel, Jr., 84, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at Graceful Journey Holistic Assisted Living in Joppa, Maryland.

Born in Baltimore on November 29, 1941, Paul graduated from Kenwood High School and earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from Essex Community College. He proudly served in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to Presidential Services for President John F. Kennedy at the White House and Camp David.

In November 1963, Paul married his childhood sweetheart, Carole Mae Donahue, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, devotion, and family. He spent 40 years with McCormick & Company, starting at the Light Street plant and retiring from the Hunt Valley location. His pride in the company never faded, and he was rarely seen without his favorite McCormick hat.

Paul will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community. A talented artist and craftsman, he enjoyed creating signs through his business, ShopSigns, and was especially known for his handcrafted McCormick teapots, treasured gifts for many retirees. He also loved fishing and spending time in his beloved "Shop," where creativity and hard work came naturally.

Above all, Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose kindness, loyalty, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Carole Mae Appel (Donahue); his daughters, Denise Lynne Goheen and Elaine Gisriel (Curt); his grandchildren, Patrick Goheen (Amanda), Alannah Shahadi (John), and Michael Gisriel; his great-grandchildren, Rory and Reese Goheen; his sister-in-law, Jane Fistek (Edward); and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held at McComas Family Funeral Homes, Abingdon, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m.