Paul Obert Obituary

Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Jr., a devoted physician, accomplished mountaineer, and quiet humanitarian, passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Oklahoma on September 13, 1950, Paul lived a life of compassion, courage, and purpose that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him.
Paul earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, where he laid the foundation for a life of intellectual curiosity and service and remained a proud Aggie for the rest of his life. He went on to study medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and built a distinguished career as an otolaryngologist in Birmingham for 36 years. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Obert was known for meticulous care, serving generations of patients with deep empathy and unwavering dedication.
Paul's greatest joy in life was the family he built with Denise, with whom he shared the privilege of raising their three children: Ms. Jennifer Leigh Obert of Nashville, TN; Dr. David Michael Obert (Caroline) of Madison, AL; and Dr. John Everett Obert (Sabrina) of Birmingham, AL. He was a devoted and proud grandfather to Madeline Claire Obert and Michael Thomas Obert.
Outside of medicine, Paul embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He was a passionate mountaineer who achieved the extraordinary feat of summiting the tallest peaks on each of the seven continents. For him, the mountains were more than a challenge; they were a source of profound connection. In his own words, he saw them not as "adversaries to conquer, but precious storehouses of knowledge and inspirationfragile but essential causeways linking the ancient, present, and future." His connection to the Himalayas was particularly deep; for more than two decades, Paul served as an active volunteer with the Grace Home Foundation in Kathmandu, Nepal, quietly funding and supporting the orphanage to improve the lives of countless children.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Sr., his mother, Imogene Salisbury Obert, and his sisters, Catherine Obert and Mary Obert. He is survived by his former spouse Denise, his children and grandchildren, and his sisters Elizabeth Obert Hedrick (David) and Jeanne Obert Austin (Tom).
Paul Obert lived a life of quiet strength, marked by a rare blend of discipline, generosity, and adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of service and a challenge to live fully, best expressed in a quote he cherished: "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." His presence will be deeply missed, but his life's work and spirit will never be forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research at rallyfoundation.org or the National Wildlife Federation at nwf.org.