ERNEST YOUNG WILKINSON SR.
KENLY -- "I will miss those early morning breakfasts with my friends at the restaurant, but even more I'll miss cooking for my boys and the special times. I'll miss being able to sit and share the day with my help-mate, Lois, of nearly 61 years. I'll miss those special times with my friends solving the problems of the world around our favorite visiting places. That special seat I have come to claim as mine in church will have to be used by someone else now, but all will be all right. I can no longer be with you all in this world, but rather have gone to wait for you with my Master who lived and died that I, as unworthy as I am, will be able to enjoy this heavenly day. What a happy day this is. This is what I have lived my life for so do not mourn for me, but rather rejoice in my homegoing. As much as I miss you all, this is what our Faith is all about.
I want to thank my family for support through all the years that never wavered no matter what the circumstances. My loving wife and best friend, Lois, you have always been understanding and yes always lovingly cared for my needs no matter how queer they might have seemed. We have been a good team.
My boys, Ernie and Cad, I have tried to instill in you what I believed and the values that have guided me for these 84 years. You both have always made me very proud, especially with your leadership in the community and your spirit of giving back. You should always give back more than you receive and think of others first.
How can one ever express one's pride in one's grandchildren? Jason, Jamey, Buzz, and of course little Tate. I hope I have left you a legacy to be proud of and an example to follow. I'll miss all of you boys so much.
I have been blessed with wonderful daughters-in-law that have been outstanding mothers; and yes, I'll finally be getting my granddaughters, April and Allison, when Jamey and Jason marry very soon. How proud I am of you all."
Ernest Young Wilkinson Sr. died Monday, May 15, after an extended stay at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.
He was born on June 16, 1921, the son of L.C. Wilkinson Sr. and Lillian S. Wilkinson. He was the retired owner of Wilkinson's Home Center Inc. in Kenly. He served his community as a former town councilman and mayor. He was a lifetime member of the Kenly Kiwanis Club, a founder and member of Kenly Development Corp., the American Legion, lifetime member of the Kenly Chamber of Commerce, a United States Army veteran of WWII and the Korean War, and a life-long member of the Kenly United Methodist Church, where he held numerous church offices.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Lois B. Wilkinson; two sons and their wives, Ernie and Janet and Cad and Karen of Kenly; and four grandsons, Jason, Jamey, Dustin and Tate, all of Kenly.
The family will look forward to visiting with friends this evening (Wednesday) from 7 until 9 at the Kenly United Methodist Church, and will celebrate his life and home going Thursday afternoon at 3 at Kenly United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Kenly cemetery. Tributes may be sent to www.coleyfunerealhome.com.
-- PAID OBITUARY
Published in Obituaries on May 17, 2006 2:03 PM