Gene Autry Philbin

Gene Autry Philbin, a beloved icon from Iuka, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Hospitality House, age 88 years old. During his younger years, he truly embodied the spirit of his namesake, Gene Autry, riding horses and dirt bikes. In his twenties, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Following his time in the military, he had a rewarding 35 year career as an ironworker with Reynolds Aluminum. A man of deep faith, he was a devoted member of Fifth Street Baptist Church for over 50 years, during which time he served as a deacon and participated in many activities, including the church’s bus ministry. He was a long-standing member of Iuka Lodge #94 F&AM for over 66 years. After retiring, he joined the Wheels of Northeast Mississippi Car Club, where he helped raise money to provide meals for school children in need. He had a lifelong passion for homemaking ice cream, which he enjoyed sharing with those around him. Gene is survived by son, Tim Philbin (Miranda); his grandchildren, Sebastian James Philbin and Arabella Daisy Philbin; his sister, Sarah Foust (George); his nephews, Alan Foust (Sonya) and Kevin Foust (Daphne); his niece, Lessa Hanbury (Keith); his great-nieces, Paige Lowry, Deanna Lowry and Murphy Foust and his great-nephew, Dalton Foust. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Philbin; his parents, Willard and James Philbin and his sister, Margaret Glorioso. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Fifth Street Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church, officiated by Bro. Tony Curtis. Pallbearers include Titus Curtis, Shane Barnes, Austin Hudson, Dustin Dick, Anthony Curtis, Kevin Foust, Alan Foust, and Ty Kenard. Interment will be in New Prospect Cemetery. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.

The family extends their immense gratitude to the Hospitality House and many caregivers that supported Gene holding fast to his independence and dignity in the winter of his life.