John R. Wilkinson

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, papaw, cool uncle and a very sweet man.

He was born on December 5, 1929 to the late John R., Sr. and Hazel Wilkinson in Morganton, North Carolina, the third of seven children. At the age of 15, he joined the Merchant Marines and a few years later, enlisted in the US Army serving in the Korean War and becoming a Purple Heart recipient. He retired as a manager from Southern Bell/BellSouth after 37 years with the company.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Janice S. Wilkinson. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie Wilkinson, Donna Chambers and husband, Rob, Jamie Forbis and husband, Rick and Teri Wilkinson; eight grandchildren, Maggie Blackwelder and husband, Erik, Alex Forbis and wife, Zen, Jonathan Dulin, Jake Forbis and wife, Britney, Ashley Dulin, Nicholas Chambers, Chris Forbis and Shelby Dulin; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Theria Wagner and Gaye Hewitt; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne Wilkinson and wife, Joyce and Don Wilkinson and wife, Debbie.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, with his son-in-law, Rev. Rob Chambers officiating. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center – Trinity Room.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church.

McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel is assisting the family.

Bow-wow and Bing Bong daddy!