Paul Loska

Paul M. Loska, 83 of Parrott, died Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

His  graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM at Parrott City Cemetery on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Rev. Dick Gill will officiate.

Paul was born in Washington D.C., October 20, 1941 to Henry Milton and Margaret Mitchell Loska. He graduated from Waycross Senior High School and enlisted in the U. S. Army after graduating and served in the 101st Airborne Division. After he was honorably discharged from the Army he returned to Waycross and worked for the railroad and then as a Game Warden for DNR. With encouragement from his supervisor, he enrolled at the University of Georgia where he earned his B.S. in Forestry.

In December of 1978, he married Sally Turner and they enjoyed 46 wonderful years together in Parrott.

Upon graduation, Paul had a job waiting for him with the Department of Natural Resources as a Senior Fisheries Biologist at the Steve Cocke Fish Hatchery in Dawson, GA where he worked for many years. During the course of his career, he managed the hatcheries in Dawson and Cordele and located and oversaw the construction of Big Lazer Lake at the Wild Life Management Area in Talbot and Upson Counties. Paul retired from the DNR in 1998.

Following retirement Paul enjoyed many years with his woodworking hobby, hunting with his sons and delighted in all activities with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, each whom he cherished. Family was always first and foremost for Paul and each family member carries cherished memories of his devotion. The friendships Paul enjoyed throughout his life were very important and he thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing the many times he spent with his friends.

Paul was a past Worshipful Master of P. T. Schley Lodge #229 and served as President of Friends of Parrott. During his service to Parrott, he was instrumental in organizing many improvements to the town.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue Loska.

Survivors include his wife Sally Turner Loska, Parrott, Paul J. Loska (Debbie), Ramona, CA, Scott M. Loska (Kate), Marietta, daughter, Laura Copeland (Larron), Bronwood. Grandchildren, Robyn Wolfe (Craig), Allyson Bowers (Jade), Kristyn Cox (Wayne), Paul D. Loska, Shea Loska, Lauryn Loska, Bridgette Loska, Summer Word (Stephen) Peyton Parker (Kelly), Harlee Rutland (Derick), Brady Copeland, Colt Copeland (Anna), 16 great grandchildren, brother Charles H. Loska, Fuquay-Varina, NC and his nieces Ivy Kratzer and Becky Barr (Evan).

The family will receive friends Sunday, 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Safe Harbor in downtown Parrott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.