Paul Allen Wilhoit

Paul Allen Wilhoit, 75, of Woodbridge, VA, crossed over into glory on February 17, 2026, at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. A retired Master Sergeant, Paul served for 27 years as a trumpeter with The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" (TUSAB) at Ft. Myer, VA. During his distinguished career, he performed with the Ceremonial Band, The U.S. Army Brass Band, and The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets. While serving in TUSAB he performed for many foreign dignitaries, US officials and marched in the inaugural parades for presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He also served as a bugler, providing Taps for numerous funeral services and ceremonies, including at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Music was not only his job, Paul also enjoyed using his talents for the Lord, playing trumpet in the church praise band and serving in the sound ministry. He was a devoted church member who attended several congregations in Northern Virginia throughout his married life. As a lifelong member of AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Paul took great pleasure in motorcycle rides, making both long and short trips, on his Honda Goldwing. He spent his free time tinkering with computers, watching movies and taking many trips to the library & local bookstores. As an avid reader, some of his favorites were authors Heinlein, Clancy & Crichton, historical fiction & non-fiction genres and the God's Plan for America trilogy. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd E. Wilhoit and Thelma F. (née Powell), and his sisters, Carolyn Mirabella, Rita Jackson, Frances Hughes, and Jorja Deckard. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Libby" (née Gilbert); his children, Melissa Wilhoit (Marc Lugo), Matthew Wilhoit, Benjamin Wilhoit, and Margaret "Maggie" Wilhoit; his grandson, Noah Wilhoit-Lugo; his sister, Nellie Wilhoit; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 1, at 12:00 PM at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. The family requests any non-floral memorials take the form of donations made to the National Right to Life (www.nrlc.org), the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (www.ifcj.org).

Tributes

Paul Allen Wilhoit

September 20, 1950 - February 17, 2026