Paul Herlong Wilkinson

Paul H Wilkinson, 83, of Burnet, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Paul had been under hospice care, and his final days were filled with the loving care and comfort of the family he cherished so deeply.

Paul was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 28, 1943, to Jack & Althea Wilkinson. He grew up alongside his older brother, Jackie, and it was in Jacksonville that Paul met his high school sweetheart, Denise. The two were married on June 24, 1961, beginning a remarkable 65-year marriage filled with love, family, friendship, travel, and countless adventures.

Paul went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he and Denise developed a lifelong love for the Georgia Bulldogs. That passion remained with them throughout their lives, and cheering for Georgia was something they continued to enjoy together.

In 1965, Paul accepted a position with IBM, beginning a career that would take him and his family to different parts of the country and allow him to travel around the world. He began his career with IBM in Raleigh, North Carolina, working as an accountant, before moving to Columbus, Georgia, where he transitioned into sales. Eventually, Paul made his way to Austin, Texas, where he worked in marketing and product development. Paul and Denise quickly fell in love with Austin and the Texas Hill Country, which became their home for the remainder of their lives together. Paul remained with IBM until his retirement in 1995.

Golf was one of Paul’s greatest loves. All of the homes Paul and Denise shared in Texas were located on golf courses, reflecting how much the game meant to them. After retiring, Paul played golf nearly every day and loved traveling with Denise and friends to experience new courses around the world. He also treasured time spent fishing with his buddies along the Texas coast.

Paul was deeply involved in his community and served for many years as president of the board of Balcones Country Club. He valued the friendships he made there and the many people who became part of his life through the years.

Paul was a devoted Christian, and he found his final church home at First Methodist Church of Burnet. Even when his health no longer allowed him to attend services in person, Paul remained connected to his church family by watching the services through the church’s online stream from home.

Above all else, Paul loved his family passionately and fiercely. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who took great pride in the people he loved. His family will remember his loyalty, his generous spirit, his love of adventure, and the joy he found in spending time with those closest to him.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Denise Wilkinson of Burnet, Texas; his son, William (Parrish) Wilkinson, and his wife, Patricia, of Marble Falls, Texas; and his daughter, Paula Dial, and her husband, Kevin, of Flower Mound, Texas. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Bailey Dial of Dallas, Texas; Brooke Dial of Corinth, Texas and her fiancé Caleb Rousey; and Braden Dial of Flower Mound, Texas and his fiancé Sarah Warzecha; as well as Cosmo Omsoc and his wife, Milla, of Pflugerville, Texas, and Christine Baker of Austin, Texas. Paul also leaves behind many beloved cousins and dear friends who were an important part of his life.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Althea Wilkinson, and his brother, Jackie.

Paul leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his love with them always. His legacy lives on in the family he devoted his life to, the friendships he treasured, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at First Methodist Church of Burnet, 301 E. Graves Street, Burnet, Texas 78611. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.