Cecil R. Wilkins

Cecil Wilkins, of Cary, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Billie Sherrill Wilkins, daughter, Kelly Kulinski, son-in-law, Pete Kulinski, son, Cliff Wilkins, daughter-in-law, Rebecca Wilkins, and grandchildren, Olivia Kulinski (Alyssa), Colby Kulinski (Bianca), and Connor Wilkins, brother, Brooks Wilkins, sisters, Sue McCafferty, and Judy Brewer. Cecil was preceded in death by daughter, Caroline, granddaughter, Cecilia Kulinski, parents, Ezra and Leone Wilkins of Clayton, sisters, Arlene Moody, Diane Johnson, and Marlene Rose.

Cecil was born on December 2, 1939, of humble beginnings, lived in Clayton and later moved to Raleigh. He was a 1958 graduate of Needham Broughton High School after which he served in the United States Army as a military policeman. In December 1963 he married Sherrill and joined the Raleigh Police Department as a motorcycle policeman. In 1965 Cecil joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he served in various positions of increasing responsibility. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel in 1993 and to Interim Commander in 1995.

Cecil was a devoted lifelong Shriner and supporter of the Shriner’s Hospital for children. He loved his family and friends. He believed in hard work done right the first time, commitment, and a “never quit” attitude. Cecil lived a life of service and set the example for his children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Western Wake Medical Hospital for their love, care, and compassion they gave to our father.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina in Cecil’s name.

A celebration of Cecil’s life will September 26, 2026, at Brown-Wynne in Cary, NC. Visitation will be 10:30-11:30am with a service to follow at 11:30.