Harold A (Whitey) Wilkes

Harold A. (Whitey) Wilkes, 79 of Parkersburg passed away Monday, January 11, 2016 with his wife Mary Ann, son Curtis and family members by his side. He was born in Cambridge, OH to James and Hester Wilkes. Whitey served his country with the United States Navy, attended Ohio State University and then began his life in the grocery business. He began his career as Manager at the Big Bear grocery store in the Park Shopping Center and later owned the IGA store in Vienna for many years. He then purchased one convenience store after another after another and at one time owned 8 “Mini-Giants” simultaneously. In 1980 he purchased North End Market and by 1990 was given the opportunity to turn that convenience store into a retail outlet for “Spirits, Wine & Beer”. Whitey was in many organizations throughout his lifetime including the Chamber of Commerce, Omega, Elks, Eagles, Moose, VFW Post #8127 guest member, American Legion and the Vienna Jaycees and Lions Club. Besides his success in the retail business, Whitey was adventurous, curious and was always into the latest technology. He raced dirt bikes, water skied, scuba dived, snow skied, golfed and loved his motorcycles. Whitey didn’t just like to play, he always played to win and he never stopped learning how to do things and how to do them better. He never gave up. Whitey is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years Mary Ann (Young) Wilkes, his beloved granddaughter; Jade of the home, his sons; Curtis of Marietta & Mark of Parkersburg, grandson; Matthew (Karlie) and his children; Bailie, Wyatt and PJ of Washington State, granddaughter; Tiffany and her children; Jade, Isabella & Gabriella of Parkersburg, his brothers-in-law; Michael (Karen), John (Pam), George (Kim) and sisters-in-law; Cathy (Gail), Patsy (Steve), Donna (Roger) and nieces and nephews; Andy & Crystal, Beckii & Tom, April & Rob, Alison & Luke, Sam, Darla, Tommy & Jimmy. Whitey was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, Eleanor, nephew Danny and niece Debbie. Harold was loved by all.

Friends will be received from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 and

1 hour prior to the service on January 13, 2016 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Parkersburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the funeral home with Pastor Benjamin Davis officiating with music by Miss Betty Dotson. Interment will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.sunsetparkersburg.com.

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