Billy Joe Wilbanks
Billy Joe Wilbanks, 71, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024
surrounded by loved ones at home. Billy Joe was born July 27, 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee to Billy and Inez Wilbanks.
Billy Joe worked as a manager for Agri-Fab and LP Brown for over 25 years, and for 45 years he worked either full-time or part-time running his business, Wilbanks Heating and Air. In his work life, Billy Joe gained a reputation as being competent, kind-hearted, and honest. Professionally or personally, he did not believe in doing anything halfway. Billy Joe loved music, and he began teaching himself the guitar as a kid with dreams of being in a rock band. As he honed his guitar skills, he also began a lifelong passion for writing songs. He co-founded various bands with childhood friend, Terry Wall; and as he got older, he continued to play guitar, write songs, and sing with his cousin, Bonnie Crum.
Billy Joe had a large and dynamic presence everywhere he went. He was known for his story- telling, and he particularly delighted in adding extra “embellishments” each time to get a laugh or rise out of his listeners. A people person, he loved being around his family and friends. His friends will remember him as being generous with his time, resources, and energy and always willing to help. Billy Joe adored his children and grandchildren, and no day was complete without sharing a dessert with one of his grandbabies. As much as he loved his family, he would tell you he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, more. Billy Joe knew first-hand the faithfulness of God to redeem, God’s mercy and compassion for fallen sinners, and that apart from God’s grace, there was nothing good in him. Billy Joe was a member of Grace Bible Church for 45 years where he treasured faithful preaching and community.
Billy Joe was preceded in death by his children, Gwendolyn Brook Wilbanks and Joshua Wayne Wilbanks and his parents Billy and Inez Wilbanks. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beth Wilbanks; daughter, Olivia Jo Wilbanks-Brown; son-in-law, Joshua Brown; grandchildren, Bailee Wilbanks (17), Carmen Wilbanks (14), Eva Jo Brown (4), and Daniel Brown (18 months); siblings Deborah Gonzalez (Julio), Shelia Rutherford (Randy), Gwen Grace (Phillip), and Dale Wilbanks (Cindy).
Billy Joe’s graveside service will be Tuesday, April 16th at 11 a.m. at Cypress Methodist Church Cemetery at 539 Cypress Church Rd. Bells, TN 38006. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Grace Bible Church at 7145 Malone Road North, Olive Branch, MS 38654. The family will accept visitors from 2-3 p.m., and the service will begin at 3 p.m. with ligh refreshments afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, Michigan or Gideons International.
