Paul Post graduated from William & Mary with a degree in business administration. Following graduation, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served his country for 21 years, retiring as a lieutenant commander.
In an article published in the Daily Press on February 17, 2002, the section “A Parting Gesture” tells us a lot about the generous spirit of Paul J. Post. A retired Navy officer and grateful alumnus, Paul left the bulk of his almost $1 million estate to three nonprofit groups.
He left half his estate to the William & Mary Athletic Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships to athletes. He left one-third — about $300,000 — to the Order of the White Jacket. These funds have been used to help deserving students through college.
He also supported the local Crime Line fund. As far as anyone knew, Paul had never been a victim of a crime. Motivated by September 11 and a general concern about the way that the world was going may have led to his leaving a sixth of his estate to the fund. It provides reward money for people who give police information that enables them to solve crimes. The contribution has kept the Peninsula Crime Line, which includes William & Mary, the City of Williamsburg and James and York Counties in business for decades.
Paul loved to travel. Prior to his death at the age of 86, he visited many places, including Turkey and Mexico. He enjoyed Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Asheville and the mountains of Tennessee where he lived in Kingsport.
Paul’s legacy will live on through his thoughtful consideration of the actions of good citizens and of students who contribute to the betterment of their own lives and to the lives of others, as well as through scholarship funding provided through the Order of the White Jacket Fund (0579).