Paul William Cerny, Jr.

Paul W. Cerny, Jr., 61, of Prince George passed away peacefully on April 13, 2018, with family by his side after a recent health complication. Paul graduated from Prince George High School in 1974 and earned a Civil Engineering degree from ODU in 1978. Since graduating, he was dedicated to working on the family farm and served on the Southern States Board of Directors. Despite his many years of health complications and numerous surgeries, he continued to work alongside his nephew, Sean Finney, up until his death. He also led the family’s auction business, Paul W. Cerny & Son Auctioneers, and was a member of the Virginia Auctioneers Association. When Paul was not working, he enjoyed hunting, NASCAR, watching Fox News, traveling wherever there was a casino, and playing cards with his lifelong buddies in the “skinnin’ shed.” What seemed to give him the most joy was being a Papa to his granddaughters. He touched so many lives wherever he went and will always be remembered for his humor, charm, and one-of-a-kind personality. He is survived by his mother, Emily Cerny; devoted wife of 40 years, Tammy Cerny, who Paul always said was “one lucky woman;” daughter, Kristen Pugh (Ford); daughter-in-law, Michelle Cerny-Harner; granddaughters, Maclay Cerny, Rylee Pugh, and Ainslee Pugh. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Finney (Pat), Joyce Specter, and Jackie O’Hare; brother-in-law, Bruce Smith (Sherri), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul W. Cerny, Sr. and his son, Paul “Tripp” W. Cerny, III. The family will receive friends and others whose lives Paul touched from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House of Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, 1100 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226; the Duke Transplant Center, 330 Trent Drive, DUMC 102347, ATTN: Amber Johnson, Durham, NC 27701, Indicate Paul Cerny/Liver Transplant Research; or become an organ donor and help save a life. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .