Paul L. Gifford, 99, also known “Buck” to his family and friends, passed away on Jan. 22 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Wareham and he was the son of the late Clarence N. and Lillian (Morse) Gifford.

Paul attended Wareham and Middleboro schools and later served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a 1st Sgt. Paul served with the Battery B, 655th Field Artillery Battalion in the Asiatic Theater Campaign, American Theater Campaign and the Philippine Liberation. Paul was awarded the Bronze Service Star. Upon his return from the service he had many different labor jobs as he loved working outdoors. He later was hired by the Wareham Fire District to be a dispatcher and he remembered working the day the new fire station in Wareham opened under the helm of Chief Ross. It was later that he was offered a position as foreman at the Wareham Water Department and he felt the calling to get outdoors again so he took the position. He worked tirelessly protecting the well fields, tanks and the water that we all drink in Wareham until his retirement.

After retirement he spent endless hours working in his yard and enjoying his home and porch. He loved taking rides around Wareham to the beaches and meeting up with folks to discuss politics. He was proud of his country and always flew the American flag with love and honor.

He is survived by his daughter Lynn P. McDonald and her husband John (Jay) J. McDonald, Jr., his son Michael J. Gifford and his grandson Michael A. Painter all of Wareham. He was the grandfather of James Q. Gifford, John P. Gifford and Jaclyn A. Clarida of Florida and the great grandfather of Ethan P. Painter of Maine and Juliana Clarida of Florida. He was also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was the former husband of the late Fay E. Gifford and father of the late Clayton R. Gifford. He was brother to the late Clarence N. Gifford, Jr. and Alice McConnell.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.

The family has requested a private graveside service. Arrangements by Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center St.