Dr. Paul H. Loflin

Dr. Paul H. Loflin, 94, of Beckley, passed away on January 19, 2019. He was born in 1924 in Mabscott, West Virginia to the late Emmett Hurl and Goldie Stewart Loflin.

            Paul married the lovely Admiral’s daughter, Mabel “Mabs” Levering Royar on August 5, 1950 in Oakland, California. They have four children, JoAnne Gilchrist (John), Murrey Loflin (Maureen), Paul Loflin, Jr (Jennifer) and Sarah Borcherding (Tom). There are eight grandchildren, Ensley Gilchrist Henderson (Patrick), Jack Gilchrist, Reilly Loflin, Haley Loflin, Trevor Loflin, Paige Borcherding, Grace Borcherding, and Sarah Jane Borcherding all of whom brought him great joy. A great granddaughter, Emelia Henderson, was just born in December 2018 and was a particular source of delight for Paul.

            Paul is predeceased by his parents and an infant brother, Charles Edward Loflin.

            Paul was a 1942 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Marshall University and then went to the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School, University of Maryland where he graduated in 1948. Paul then entered the United States Navy Dental Corps where he served at Naval Station, Newport, Rhode Island and aboard the USS Thomas Jefferson (APA-30). In 1950, he returned to Beckley and aside from being recalled to active duty during the Korean War, maintained his private dental practice until he retired in 1998.

            Paul was active in many professional dental associations locally, nationally and internationally including New River Dental Society, West Virginia Dental Association, American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, Alumni Association of Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (University of Maryland Dental School), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Pierre Fauchard Academy,  Academy of Operative Dentistry, American Association of Dental Insultants, George M. Hollenback Operative Dentistry Seminar, American College of Dentists (ACD) and the International College of Dentists (ICD). He held top leadership positions in all of these particularly the Academy of Operative Dentistry and the International College of Dentists. He was ICD President - USA Section in 1979 and President At Large in 1989. His contributions to the ICD allowed he and his wife to travel to such locales as Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, England, Ireland and Scotland, and The Netherlands.

            Paul was recently awarded the ACD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and an ICD Presidential Citation in 2018.

            Dr. Loflin was appointed to the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners in 1969 by Governor Arch Moore. This affiliated him with the Northeast Board of Dental Examiners which he served until 1981. He also served as a Clinical Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, West Virginia University. He presented scientific programs on restorative dentistry at many dental meetings and conducted continuing education at Harvard University, University of Pittsburgh, and West Virginia University as well at dental schools in Iran and South America.

            Paul loved southern West Virginia and believed in giving back to his community. He served the Beckley-Raleigh County Board of Health for over 50 years and served multiple terms as Chairman. He served on the Dental Staff of both Appalachian Regional Hospital and Raleigh General Hospital over the course of his career. He served three terms as a member of the Common Council of the City of Beckley Ward III. He was elected a Director of the Bank of Raleigh in 1967 and served numerous years in that role. He was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden (seven times!), Junior Warden twice, and Chairman of Lay Readers for over 10 years.. He was a member of the Beckley Rotary Club since 1961. He served as President in 1970 and was honored by the club with a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1987.

            Dr. Loflin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He and Mabs were married for 68 wonderful years. He adored all his children and could always be counted on for his unwavering support of all of their endeavors. In his spare time, he was an avid golfer, a military history buff, and a painter of military miniatures.

            The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Paul’s caregiver, Chris Dancy, for his kindness and compassion and all the nurses and aides at the Inn at Greystone.

            A memorial service will be held Saturday March 2, 2019 at 11 am at St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main Street, Suite 301, Beckley, WV 25801.

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