William "Wilki" H. Wilkinson Jr.

William H. Wilkinson, Jr., 71, passed away on Saturday, February 9,2013, at

the Hacienda Nursing Home in Hanford after many years of illness.

Born on March 3, 1941, to Howard and Loretta (Wyke) Wilkinson, Bill grew up in

Hanford on his family's cattle ranch. He graduated from Hanford High School in

1960. After high school he worked a variety of skilled jobs ranging from an

oilfield hand to electrician work. He retired from Standard Register in Porterville

after 32 years where he worked as a warehouse foreman. Bill was a hard worker

and started his own yard care business after retirement to keep busy. He could

be seen driving around town in his late father's 1963 Chevy pickup with his

lawnmower in the back and often one of his brothers-in-law along to help.

Bill married Annie Alvarado in 1965 in Hanford, where they continued to live and

raise their children. They were happily married for 47 years. Bill was an avid

outdoorsman and enjoyed many gold dredging excursions with his friends. He

also spent his later years collecting rare coins and currency. Bill was well liked

by friends and neighbors, and it was unusual that he made a trip into town

without striking up a long conversation with someone - whether he knew them or

not.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Loretta Wilkinson, and

his sister Betty Wilkinson.

Bill leaves behind his loving wife Annie Wilkinson of Hanford; son Steve and

daughter-in-law Elane Wilkinson of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter Maria

Wilkinson and son-in-law Trent Harvey of Hanford, CA; son Bill and daughter-in-

law Julie Wilkinson of Hanford, CA; and brother Bob and sister-in-law Sue

Wilkinson of Indio, CA. He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren,

Jennifer and husband James Robinson, Jerret Garcia, Samantha Gardner, Lily

Wilkinson, Alex Wilkinson, Katie Wilkinson, Garrett Frimodt, and one great-

grandson Brody Robinson.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 22, 2013, at 2 p.m. at

People's Funeral Chapel, 501 Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230. www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com