News Summary
Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Jr., a revered otolaryngologist and humanitarian from Birmingham, passed away at the age of 74. Known for his unwavering dedication to patients and community service, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and philanthropy. An avid mountaineer, Dr. Obert summited the highest peaks on all seven continents and volunteered in Nepal, supporting an orphanage. His life was marked by a deep commitment to family, medicine, and inspiring future generations. A memorial service is scheduled for family and friends to honor his memory.
Birmingham, AL – Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Jr., a respected physician and humanitarian, passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 74. His dedication to medicine, family, and philanthropy defined his life, leaving a profound impact on his community and beyond.
Born on September 13, 1950, in Oklahoma, Dr. Obert earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, where he maintained a strong connection throughout his life. He later pursued his medical education at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. For 36 years, Dr. Obert served as an otolaryngologist in Birmingham, known for his meticulous care and deep empathy towards his patients.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he treated generations of patients with unwavering dedication, becoming a trusted figure in the medical community. Dr. Obert was widely recognized not only for his expertise in ear, nose, and throat medicine but also for how he connected with those he treated, often going above and beyond to ensure their well-being.
Dr. Obert is survived by his former spouse, Denise, and their three children: Ms. Jennifer Leigh Obert, of Nashville, TN; Dr. David Michael Obert and his spouse Caroline, of Madison, AL; and Dr. John Everett Obert and his spouse Sabrina, of Birmingham, AL. He was also a devoted grandfather to Madeline Claire and Michael Thomas Obert. He is further survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Obert Hedrick and Jeanne Obert Austin.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Obert was an avid mountaineer. He successfully summited the tallest peaks on each of the seven continents. To him, these mountains represented precious storehouses of knowledge and inspiration rather than mere obstacles to overcome. His adventurous spirit was matched by his dedication to serving others, as evidenced by his over two decades of volunteer work with the Grace Home Foundation in Kathmandu, Nepal. There, he supported an orphanage that improved the lives of countless children through his quiet generosity.
Dr. Obert was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Sr.; his mother, Imogene Salisbury Obert; and his sisters, Catherine and Mary Obert. His legacy of service and dedication stands as a testament to a life well-lived, inspiring others to pursue their passions and contribute to the greater good.
Dr. Obert had a unique perspective on life and children, often expressing a belief in the importance of legacy, which is encapsulated in a quotation he cherished: “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” This philosophy guided both his personal and professional conduct.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and community members to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research or the National Wildlife Federation, continuing Dr. Obert’s commitment to philanthropy and the well-being of future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Obituary: Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Jr.
- Wikipedia: Humanitarianism
- Obituary: Jeffrey Escott
- Google Search: Philanthropy
- Birmingham Obituaries
- Google Scholar: Ear, Nose, and Throat Medicine
- Memorial Service Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mountaineering
- Legacy of Dr. Paul Michael Obert, Jr.
- Google News: Childhood Cancer Research
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
