Paul Benjamin Wilkie

Paul Benjamin Wilkie, age 83, husband of Linda Faye Cox Wilkie, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was born on June 25, 1942 in Woodruff, South Carolina and was the son of the late Archie Brantley Wilkie and Lillie Mae Brown Wilkie. Paul graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His professional career includes positions at Newport News Shipyard in Va. working on the USS Nimitz and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, 3M / Ceramtec in Laurens SC, and a contract engineer in Waynesville, GA. He honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964. Paul has held leadership roles such as President of the Laurens County Cattlemen’s Association and the SC Angus Association. He was a board member of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, as well as Laurens County Farm Bureau. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, where he also served as an Elder.

Paul is survived by his high school sweetheart Linda of 62 years; his son, Paul B. Wilkie, Jr. (Amy) of Laurens; his daughter, Elizabeth W. Robertson (Tom) of Laurens; his sister, Lucille Wilkie Skinner (Rev. James Skinner) his grandchildren, Cal Robertson, Sarah Wynn and Brianna Wynn.

In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Francis Wilkie Mahon, R. Russell Wilkie, Annie Bell, Loree Wilkie Parrish, Henry B. Wilkie, Dan Wilkie.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Laurens at 11:30 am with Rev. Ludwig Weaver. The family will greet friends in Hunter Hall following the service.

A private burial with Military Honors will be held at Westview Memorial Park.

The family wishes to give special thanks and love to caregivers, Molly Cooley, Carla Paysinger, Alicia Stafford and Sue Spoone.

Honorary Pallbearers, Bill Tinsley, Dylan Thurston, Jonathan Stewart, Jesse Sudduth, Jake Sudduth and Cal Robertson

In lieu of flowers, please honor Paul with memorials to Pruitt Health Hospice, 301 Halton Road Suite B, Greenville, SC 29607 or Laurens Co. Cattlemen’s Association Attn. William Adair, Treasurer 219 W. Laurens St., Laurens, SC 29360

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Laurens is assisting the Wilkie family with services.