Paul Michael Cavanaugh, 86, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. He was born on January 25, 1938, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Martin and Mary Cavanaugh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Ann Fronzoni.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Linda F. Cavanaugh; brother, Martin Cavanaugh (Georgia); sister, Mary Ellen Wilson; daughter, Patti Cavanaugh; sons, Colonel Brian Michael Cavanaugh, US Army (Ret.) and Jason Lucas (Denise) as well as his grandchildren Captain Peyton Cavanaugh, US Army and Tanner Cavanaugh.

Paul was a 1955 graduate of Wyoming Memorial High School in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served his entire enlistment in the Western Pacific and Far East.

Paul joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a non-agent employee following his naval service. In 1959, he was assigned to the Bureau's Washington Field Office and enrolled in college at George Washington University and Benjamin Franklin University. Upon earning his bachelor's degree in business administration, Paul was appointed a Special Agent with the FBI. He would serve the FBI in Mobile, AL, Louisville, KY, Washington, DC, and Columbia, SC. As the supervisor of the Columbia Field Office, Paul was responsible for white collar crime, organized crime, and narcotics investigative programs. He was one of the original Agents assigned to the highly successful multiagency taskforce investigating and prosecuting drug smugglers, which was dubbed, "Jackpot". Also, during his career he was involved in multiple foreign counterintelligence investigations.

Following his retirement from the FBI in 1998, Paul continued his law enforcement career with the State of South Carolina and eventually retired as Chief of DHEC's Office of Criminal Investigations.

During his FBI career Paul received numerous commendations and incentive awards. As a State of South Carolina employee, he received the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. This award exemplifies the highest ideals of excellence in professional law enforcement.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating with his wife, Linda. He also enjoyed foreign travel and he and Linda visited many European countries and cruised many major European rivers.

The graveside service for Mr. Cavanaugh will be held at 3 o'clock, Friday, December 13th at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC. The family will briefly visit with guests following the service.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.