Donald Ray Wilkinson

2026 with his family by his side. He was 78 years old. Don was born on August 30, 1947 in Pahokee, FL to Phyllis Crews Wilkinson Held and Rayford Simmons Wilkinson. Don and his wife, Marcia Kelker Wilkinson have been married 55 years, have two wonderful children and 6 fabulous grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his sister, Patti Wilkinson Endriss Ezzell (Joe Ezzell). Surviving him is his loving wife, Marcia, our daughter, Stacy Wilkinson Larmoyeux (Lou) and our son, Brian Wilkinson (Joanna). Also surviving “Pepa” are our grandchildren Louis Larmoyeux (Emma), Patrick Larmoyeux, Anna Larmoyeux, Ansley Wilkinson, Amelia Wilkinson, and Ben Wilkinson. He is also survived by his sister Suzanne Biery (Mark) and 11 loving

nieces and nephews. One of our nephews said to me, “I am so grateful for the incredible amount of joy Uncle Don brought to this world. No matter what was going on in his life, he always made me feel like I was the most important person in the room. His influence will live forever in me.” That pretty much sums up our Don. He made many people feel that same way.

Don was a boy scout, an athlete in high school and graduated from Belle Glade High, lettering in four sports. Then he enlisted in the United States Army and served a two year term, including 8 months in Viet Nam. He graduated from Florida State University in 1972. Don had a 35 year long Career with Northwestern Mutual. He started as a sales representative with Melvin Pope in Tallahassee, FL. He went on to lead a district agency in West Palm Beach under Ed Cole, became a Managing Partner in Jacksonville, FL and finished his career at the Home Office as a Vice President of agencies in Milwaukee, WI. He retired at age 60, having loved all aspects of his career and Northwestern Mutual. When we moved back to Jacksonville, Don joined San Jose Country Club and served

as President for 2 years. His membership there kept him busy. He enjoyed hunting, golf, regular exercise and spending time with family and friends.

He was called “the mayor” by many, because he impacted so many people with his hugs, smiles, conversations, and handshakes. He just loved people.

Don’s Celebration of Life will be Friday, February 6, at 10:30 at San Jose Country Club in the ballroom. A reception will follow right there.

Please, in lieu of flowers, memorials for Donald Wilkinson may be sent to Mayo Clinic, (be sure to write “in memory of Donald Wilkinson” in memo) - 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Also, Vitas Health Care, 7406 Fullerton Street, Jacksonville, Fl 32256; or Christian Family Chapel, 10365 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

There will be a livestream of Don's service available at: https://www.youtube.com/live/qXx5gsTU3IQ