Paul L. Klutts

Nov. 16, 1916 – Nov. 2, 2013

NATCHEZ— Memorial services for Paul L. Klutts, 97, who died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, after a brief illness, will be at 10 a.m. today at the Natchez City Cemetery. Memorial services will be under the direction of Riverwood Funeral Home.

Paul was born Nov. 16, 1916, the son of Earl and Edna Klutts of Hattiesburg.

He was raised and educated in Hattiesburg and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his long career with the Coca-Cola Company at the bottling plant in 1937. His career was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy in World War II.

After serving as sales manager of the Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Company, he became General Manager of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Springfield, Tenn. from 1957 to 1960, and then manager of the Natchez Coca-Cola Bottling Company from 1960 until his retirement in 1985. He also was president and CEO of Gulf States Canners in Clinton, from 1980 to 1987.

He served as president of Mississippi Vending Association and was named outstanding state vendor. His many contributions to the Natchez community included his service as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of Rotary Club, chairman of the Adams County Red Cross; service on the boards of Deposit Guaranty Bank, Trinity Episcopal School and Natchez Community Hospital. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church.

His hobbies included fishing, gardening, traveling and swimming each day with his friends at the Adams County Senior’s Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Lorene Averett Klutts; one son, William Paul Klutts and wife, Kristen, three daughters, Kay Wineman and husband, Don, Susan Spann and husband, Frank and Carole Robertson; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 113 Jeff Davis Blvd. Suite A, Natchez, MS 39120.