Paul Francis McNamara

Paul “Tank” McNamara, 62, of Waleska, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026, following a courageous journey with ALS.

Known throughout his life simply as “Tank,” Paul was a devoted husband, father, brother, son and grandfather; a loyal friend; a proud Irishman; and a man of intelligence, curiosity and strong convictions.

Paul was born September 12, 1963, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Michael J. and Alice McNamara. He attended Crestwood High School and later Georgia Southern University, where he was a scholarship recipient and captain of the swim team. An All-American swimmer, he swam Masters and competed in open water swims holding several records nationally. He proudly earned his master’s degree in theology from Spring Hill College. A lifelong athlete, Paul loved swimming and water-skiing, and many of his oldest friendships and happiest memories were formed around the water.

Paul spent much of his professional career as a manager in information technology at AT&T and later at Roane State Community College, where he alsos erved as Director of IT and an adjunct professor. A lifelong student as well as a teacher, Paul read, researched and wrote extensively about theology, history, philosophy, Irish culture and the questions that shape the human experience. His writings were published by The Huffington Post and Western Friend, and he lectured on subjects including religious history and social tolerance. His Irish heritage was particularly important to him, and he proudly identified himself as an Irishman throughout his life.

Above all, Paul was devoted to his family. He was the loving husband of Kathy and father of Conor, Lera, Oleg and Denis. Becoming a father and building his family were among the greatest joys and most important accomplishments of his life. He was also a proud grandfather to Annabelle, Sophia, Mark, Adam and Masha.

Paul valued friendship, fairness, integrity and treating people well. He was outgoing and welcoming and had a gift for making people feel included. Those who knew him remember not simply what he accomplished, but his loyalty, humor, intellect and the relationships he maintained throughout his life.

In later years, Paul faced ALS with remarkable courage. The disease changed much about his daily life, but it did not change the qualities that made him Tank. He remained engaged with the world around him—golfing, traveling, reading, thinking, sharing ideas and staying connected to the people he loved. His family and friends rallied around him through “Tank’s Trekkers,” raising awareness and funds in support of ALS United Georgia.

Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Oleg and his wife Lidia, Denis, Conor and Lera; his grandchildren, Annabelle, Sophia, Mark, Adam and Masha; his sisters, Donna Marie Clemons and her husband, David, and Cathy Balken and her husband, Joe; his mother-in-law, Millicent King, and many extended family members, lifelong friends and those he considered his “soul” brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael J. and Alice McNamara. A memorial service will be held August 29, 2026, at 11 am at Waleska United Methodist Church on the Reinhardt University campus, followed by a reception at the church. Interment will follow at Canton Funeral Home and Cemetery at Macedonia Memorial Park at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to ALS United Georgia in memory of Paul and all those whose lives have been affected by ALS. Alternatively, donations can be made to World Central Kitchen for which Paul and Kathy are regular supporters.

Paul once shared the words, “It is not the length of life, but the depth.” They are a fitting reflection of a life defined by family, friendship, curiosity, courage and love.

Paul “Tank” McNamara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.