Warren "Bud" Wilkinson

Warren “Bud” Wilkinson went home to be with the Lord on October 11, 2012. He was born on October 16, 1936 in Saint Augustine, Florida and graduated from Fletcher High School in 1954. A lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Florida, he married the love of his life, Helen Green in 1957 and told her in his final words that he would prepare a mansion for her in heaven and await her arrival.

Warren “Bud” was a long time member of Regency Baptist Temple where he was formerly a Deacon. He was a great Christian man who loved God and put the Lord first in his life. He was President of the Arlington Little League in 1969 and played an instrumental role in building their baseball park that year which is still being used by hundreds of youths.

He founded Wilkinson Steel in 1988 and was a leader in the reinforcing steel industry. He had a knack for numbers. Building Contractors were wowed by his ability to estimate jobs in his head when they needed figures quickly and knew that they could rely on his figures as his company was built on integrity and providing service. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. One of his favorite lines was when an employee asked if they could leave early, he could be heard saying with a grin “you can leave anytime you want, the question is whether you can come back!” He was a very generous and caring person who mentored many people both in business and in life.

Warren “Bud” leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years Helen Green Wilkinson, son Fred Wilkinson, daughter Susan Oxford (Bill), sister Inesse Reese, brother Gordon Wilkinson (Lois), and four grandchildren Tyler Oxford, Hailey Oxford, Dakota Wilkinson and Cheyenne Wilkinson.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Monday, October 15 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, Florida. A celebration of “Bud’s” life will be held 11am Tuesday, October 16 at Regency Baptist Temple, 1130 Rogero Rd., Jacksonville. Burial will follow at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.