A visionary for health care

He raised a small children’s hospital to heights of pediatric care.

ByJ. E. Geshwiler

Paul Manners was an Atlantan to whom much was entrusted.

He headed the First National Bank of Atlanta’s trust and investment department from 1963 to 1977.

In 1979 he founded a Buckhead firm bearing his name that continues to advise clients on investments.

He was a steward of the Georgia state employees’ retirement system for 36 years and the Georgia teachers’ retirement system for 20 years.

From 1982 to 1996 he chaired the board of trustees for Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center, now part of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“Paul was a visionary who raised a small children’s hospital to the heights of pediatric medical care,” said former Children’s Healthcare CEO James Tally. “He recruited top talent and surrounded himself with people who shared his convictions and passion for excellence.”

Gene Hayes, president of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, said Mr. Manners’ vision was underpinned by his strong core values, his relentless energy, his skill as a planner and his gift for forging strong personal relationships.

“Paul wanted to change the world for the kids we treated,” he added, “and I know he did.”

Paul E. Manners, 93, died Aug. 28 at Piedmont Hospital. His memorial service is 2 p.m. today at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder and elder-emeritus for 62 years. He was buried in a private ceremony at Westview Cemetery. H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.

As a businessman, Mr. Man- ners set a standard for integrity and work ethic that few could equal, said Jason Knopes, a partner with Paul Manners & Associates.

“Paul’s approach to analyzing potential investments was incredibly diligent and meticulous, and yet he was so skilled it seemed effortless. But that’s how Paul dealt with everything in his life,” Mr. Knopes said.

Mr. Manners also found time to be president of the Atlanta Kiwanis Club in 1971 and chair the Atlanta chapter of the American Red Cross from 1970 to 1972.

“Pop managed to handle so many responsibilities in one lifetime because of the focused way he approached them,” said his son, Neal Manners of Atlanta.

Born in Stewart County, Tenn., Mr. Manners graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in economics, thanks in part to the financial assistance of his high school English teacher, Lillian Bayer, whose generosity he never forgot.

Years later, he created the Paul Manners-Lillian Bayer scholarship at Vanderbilt, especially for deserving students from his home county.

Mr. Manners was married 27 years to his first wife, Frances Neal, who died in 1974. Two years later, he married Sara Joyce “Joy” Munroe, who survives him. Also surviving are a stepdaughter, Kathy Hiller of Nashville, Tenn.; two stepsons, Charles Munroe of Acworth and Thomas Munroe of Atlanta; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

Paul E. Manners