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Jerry Don Wilkes

Funeral services for Mr. Jerry Don Wilkes, age 87 of Fayetteville, will be conducted Thursday at 3 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. David Arrington officiating. Burial will follow in the Booneville Cemetery. Mr. Wilkes passed away Tuesday in Donalson Care Center following a long illness.

A native of Lincoln County, he was the son of the late Lawson Joseph and Dora Mai Groce Wilkes. Mr. Wilkes was a retired farmer and carpenter and a member of the Booneville Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife Nell Ray Bearden Wilkes of Fayetteville, three daughters Patsy Jo Moore and husband John of Winchester, Barbara Ann Groce and husband Jerry of Roxboro, NC, Brenda Mai Wilkes of Fayetteville and one, grandchild Brent Wilkes Groce and wife Rachel of Roxboro, NC and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Wilkes was preceded in death by a sister
Nancy Lane.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Booneville United Methodist Church or the Parkinson’s Association.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday 1-3 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.

17 Comments (Open | Close)

17 Comments To "Jerry Don Wilkes"

#1 Comment By Diane Dyer Buchanan On January 30, 2013 @ 5:51 pm

Miss Nell,

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Don’s death. I know you must have many wonderful memories to help comfort you during this difficult time.

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

#2 Comment By Carolyn Brooks On January 30, 2013 @ 6:08 pm

Dear Nell Ray and Family,
What a wonderful neighbor and friend we have had all these years! I love the picture that you chose. I miss looking over in the field and seeing him on that tractor! Always loved that dry sense of humor that he had. You have been so faithful to take care of him. You will be in our thoughts and prayers and know that we are here for you in any way. Love you, Carolyn (and the entire Brooks Family) Lillie Moorehead

#3 Comment By Wanda Preston On January 30, 2013 @ 6:49 pm

Mrs. Nell, Brenda, Ann and Patsy,
So sorry that I will not be able to come to Mr. Don’s visitation or funeral but my thoughts will be with you. You showered him with love and the best care possible and he certainly knew he was loved. These sad times you are going through now will ultimately be pushed back and those sweet, funny and wonderful memories will take their place. I promise! Love you all.

#4 Comment By Barb Arel On January 30, 2013 @ 11:14 pm

What a wonderful picture of Mr. Wilkes! It’s exactly as I have pictured him in imagination. Ann, the staff at Earl Bradsher miss you and send you love, prayers, and support to you and your whole your family.

#5 Comment By Joy Rodriguez On January 31, 2013 @ 12:42 am

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. When I think of the battle that you have all been involved in with this illness, I think of mighty warriors that won the victory in spite of the loss of Mr. Don’s physical body to Parkinson’s. His precious soul and spirit can now soar unhampered by the physical bonds that held him captive. Dear family you ran this race well, it is so hard to be a caregiver, so hard to keep hope alive, but you did well. You were there for Mr. Don through all that long journey and he knew how much he was loved. You remain in my thoughts and prayers for God’s marvelous peace and comfort to hold you tightly. You are all much loved!

#6 Comment By Sunny (daughter of Marcetis DCC) Baker On January 31, 2013 @ 5:00 am

Ms Nell and family. I am so sorry about the loss of Mr. Don. I will miss going in and talking with him. I know he is better off, but undoubtedly you all will miss him terribly. I am proud to have known him.

#7 Comment By Dennie and Betty Jo Massey On January 31, 2013 @ 4:04 pm

Nell may gods blessings be with you and your family in the loss of. Your love one you are in our prayers

#8 Comment By Maggie Faulkner-Reese On January 31, 2013 @ 4:11 pm

Nell, We are thinking and praying for you. Wish we could be there, we have a sickness in the family. Love your Tullahoma Family.

#9 Comment By Donna Daves Dyer On January 31, 2013 @ 6:36 pm

Patsy, Brenda and Mrs. Wilkes,
So very sorry to here about the passing of Mr. Wilkes. I only became aware of it this morning on the radio. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to call. I will be praying for all of you – that God’s comfort be with you during this difficult time.

Donna and Johnny

#10 Comment By Rev. Daniel M Hyde On January 31, 2013 @ 7:02 pm

Brother Don has been a true Christian friend and brother in the Lord. It was always a blessing to have known such a man that cared for his family and church as he did. His devotion to God was commendable. His love for song leading and church business was much appreciated.
Brother Don Wilkes will be missed around home, church and in our hearts, but what joy in heaven there must be with the heavenly hosts.

#11 Comment By Peggy G. Bevels On January 31, 2013 @ 7:19 pm

Sending my deepest sympathy to all the family. I pray that God heals your broken hearts.
In Christian Love,
Peggy G. Bevels

#12 Comment By Dora Barnes On January 31, 2013 @ 7:23 pm

Brenda,
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I’ve been where you are and I do understand. I will add your family to my prayer list.
God Bless You,
Dora Barnes

#13 Comment By mildred mcnatt On January 31, 2013 @ 8:48 pm

Ms.Nell, I am sad to have read Mr. Wilkes passed…I truly love yall and have many fond memories of yall coming to Trotters to eat…Ms Nell, You my dear will have stars in your crown for caring for Mr.Don.Yall were special people to me.I pray God will comfort you during this time. Mildred

#14 Comment By mildred mcnatt On January 31, 2013 @ 8:55 pm

Ms.Nell, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Don. I have special memories of yall coming to eat at Trotters. Ms.Nell my dear you will have stars in your crown for caring for Mr.Don.I have witnessed the genuine love you had for him.I pray for comfort during this time. Mildred

#15 Comment By Homer Thompson On February 1, 2013 @ 11:52 am

Ms Nell, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. But you have so many wonderful memories of yesteryear which will comfort you. May God’s blessings and His watch over you be sustained for now and the days ahead.

#16 Comment By Bruce Huskey On February 1, 2013 @ 3:22 pm

Patsy–

Alice and I will pray for you and your family during this difficult time. We know how difficult it is to lose a father and we hope that you will be comforted knowing that so many people care about you and your family.

God Bless,

Bruce and Alice

#17 Comment By Shirley smith jeans On February 7, 2013 @ 5:18 pm

Ms Nell, Patsy, Ann & Brenda,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Don. I have many memories of your family with the Smith family with the Mulberry & Boonville communities. Those were great days to remember. May God bless each one of you.

Shirley, Michael, Michelle, Crystal & Families