Paul Hampton Shannon

He was born on November 7, 1946 in Ripley, MS to Dr. Paul King Shannon and Martha Thurmond Shannon. He graduated from WP Daniel High School in New Albany, MS and Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He was an Eagle Scout and M-Club Member at Mississippi State University. In addition to being a member of the Mississippi State University Football team, he was also in the ARMY ROTC and Varsity Rifle team.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports of all kinds, spending time with friends and family, and trying new recipes in the kitchen in his later years. 

Hamp served in the US Army from 1970 to 1971 in Vietnam as a 1st Lieutenant, Platoon Leader of 1st Platoon, A Troop, 4/12 Cavalry, 5th Mechanized Infantry. After his return from Vietnam, he was a High School Football Coach at Booneville High School until 1975. He then returned to full-time military service until he retired in 2004 with the rank of Lt. Colonel as Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel at the 81st Regional Support Command. During his military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Johnny Shannon. 

Hamp is survived by his son, Dr. Paul Jason Shannon; granddaughter, Sophia Shannon; and nieces and nephews, Amy (Aaron) Emerson, Ben (Ashton) Shannon, and Leah Shannon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to either the Foundation Fighting Blindness, www.fightingblindness.org or Mississippi State University College of Education, https://www.iswd.msstate.edu/giving  

A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS.  A second visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at United Funeral Home, New Albany, MS.  The funeral will be at 11:00 am on Friday, June 23, 2023 at United Funeral Home with interment at the New Albany Cemetery. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Mr. Paul Hampton Shannon.