John Wallace Wilkinson

Richmond Hill, GA John W. Wilkinson, 93, died April 15, 2012 at home with his family by his side. He joins his heavenly family, Worley and Amelia Louise Wilkinson, Wanda, Urich, Harriett Wilkinson, Robert Wilkinson, and Bertha Barrett. His one remaining sister, Kathleen Fogle, resides in Alameda, CA and his very special nephew, Tom Wilkinson, resides in Shelby, OH. John was born in Bucyrus, OH and grew up in Shelby, OH. He graduated from Shelby High School and was a proud member of the Whippet football team 1933-1937 following in his father’s footsteps. John joined the OH National Guard in 1937 and served in the 95th Infantry Division as it was “stood up”. He served in Europe during World War II as a part of Patton’s 3rd Army. He was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation”. He worked for the Air Force as a Civil Servant retiring in 1974 from Robins AFB, Warner Robins, GA. After his retirement, John enjoyed working with wood, teaching himself to can furniture and repairing and other antiques. He has been active in his church all his adult life until ill health slowed him down. He was a charter member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Warner Robins, GA. He has most enjoyed being with his grandchildren as they grew up and was very proud of their achievements. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He has been a “rock” to all of them. John is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Vesta Vaughn Wilkinson. Their marriage has truly been a model for all who know them. He is also survived by his three children, Beth E. Wilkinson of Midway, GA, John B. Wilkinson (Carmen) of Valdosta, GA, and Sally Wilkinson Reeves (Harold) of Savannah, GA; the lights of his life, his five grandchildren, Christina Kelly (Steven), Leslie Saltares (Reggie), Leigh Anne Rackley (Eric), Robert B. Reeves (Ayaka), Amelia Kelly (Paul); and his eight great grandchildren, Hannah, Ryan, Gabriel, Abigail, Cale, Jacob, Kaitlin, and Collin. He has many nieces and nephews across the country. There will be a private internment and a Memorial Service at Magnolia Manor in Richmond Hill, GA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances to Hospice Savannah, Inc. PO Box 13190 Savannah, GA 31416, First Christian Church 81E.Main St. Shelby, OH 44975, or League of the Good Samaritan, Magnolia Manor on the Coast 2001 South Lee St. Americus, GA 31709. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Wallace Wilkinson, please visit our flower store.