Larry was born April 14, 1951 in Memphis, TN, the son of the late Henry Currie Wilkes and Fern Moody Wilkes. He retired from Signal Delivery Service and was both a skilled diesel mechanic and HVAC installer.
He had a passion for listening to country music, especially while grilling by the pool. He loved the outdoors, fishing and golfing. The only thing that could keep him off his fishing boat or the fairway was the sight of a snake. He could always be found “tinkering” in the yard. A known history buff, Larry loved showing his family the treasures he found while using his metal detector. He was a devoted husband and father, while also being the silliest guy around. Larry had a sense of humor like no other and was always providing family and friends with entertainment, notably with his made up words and crazy sound effects.
Larry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sherry Aviotti Wilkes; three daughters, Amy Phillips (Bryce) and Lisa Cantor (Jeff) both of Germantown, Linda Lightsey (Darren); a son Brian, of Memphis; a sister Delle McGhee (Ben) and a brother Ronnie (Mary Beth) both of Memphis; and 9 grandchildren, Jake Messer, Madison Messer, Chandler Black, Brynn Messer, Jonathan Phillips, Parker Cantor, Ollie Phillips, Evan Lightsey and Lily Lightsey.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Billy and Sonny.
Funeral services for Mr. Wilkes will be held at 11:00 am Thursday April 28, 2022 at Faith Anglican Church, 9555 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Faith Anglican Church. Interment will be held at Memphis Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Rd Bartlett, TN 38133.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Anglican Church or the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Wilkes family.
