Corinthian Funeral Home

Paulie Elijah Wilbanks was born in Selmer, Tennessee, on April 12, 1948, to Troy Wilbanks and Clois Littlejohn Wilbanks. He was the 4th of 11 children.

Services will take place at Christ Temple Church on Wednesday July 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Bros. Clay Hall and Scott Pulliam officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday July 21, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Wednesday from Noon until service time.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Lila Pittman Wilbanks; his daughters Donna Casner and husband John Casner of Walnut, MS, Angie Suitor and husband Mike Suitor of Kossuth, MS; and his son PJ Wilbanks and wife Julie Wilbanks of Hernando, MS.

He leaves behind ten grandchildren: Miranda (Joseph) Hardin of Walnut, MS; Chloe (Matthew) Walker of Burnsville, MS; Dylan (Payton) Hight and Kaylee Hight, Makayla (Jonathan) Brawner, Kyle (Amber) Suitor all of Corinth, MS, Chandler Abner, Peyton Abner, Clara Dru Wilbanks, and Reese Wilbanks, all of Hernando, MS. He also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren, Kortland, Fayla, and Scarlett Hardin of Walnut, MS and Jordyn Childers, Sophie Suitor, Camden and Cambry Brawner and Kamron Suitor all of Corinth, MS.

He is also survived by his sisters Grapel Starnes of Corinth, MS, and Darlene Rowland of Covington, TN; and his brothers James Wilbanks and Jimmy Wilbanks, both of Corinth, MS.

Paulie is preceded in death by his parents; his great‑granddaughter Magnolia Louise Walker; four brothers Junior, J.L., Wesley, and A.D. Wilbanks; two sisters Juanita Wilbanks and Barbara Bennett; and his father‑in‑law Ezra Pittman and mother‑in‑law Drucilla Pittman.

Paulie worked at Tyrone/Dana Corporation in Corinth, MS, for 28 years. He served as Justice of the Peace in Alcorn County and later became an entrepreneur and business owner after retiring. He was a faithful member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church in Walnut, MS, for 44 years.

On May 7, 1966, Paulie married the love of his life, Lila Fay Pittman. Paulie and Lila were a match made in heaven. Paulie was outgoing and was known to be a big jokester who loved to play pranks on Lila and their family, while Lila is very meek and humble and tried her best to keep him in line. One thing about him was he never met a stranger. His giving heart and willingness to help anyone in need were known by all who crossed his path.

Throughout his life, he was lovingly called many names: Daddy, Papaw, Uncle Paulie, Mert, Big Head, Old Goat, and Elvis. To know Paulie was to love him, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.

Paulie passed away peacefully at his home on July 18th surrounded by his loving wife, family and friends.