Rev. Walter Michael "Mike" Wilkie, 74, of Helena, AR passed away Monday, January 21, 2019, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, AR. He was born September 2, 1944 to Calvin Russell Wilkie and Mary McDowell Wilkie in Gurdon, AR.
After graduation from Ringgold High School, he joined the United States Army during which time he received a degree from Louisiana Tech University and was a member of Army special forces Green Beret. During his career Mike served with the Washington Capital Police, becoming a Captain. Then became Chief of Staff for Senator Russell Long and also served during this time as the Chief of Staff for the Senate Finance Committee. Mike later was the Chief of Staff for Senator Bob Dole. Following a medical discharge Mike earned his Masters of Theology from SMU's Perkins Theological Seminary and was ordained Elder with the United Methodist Conference. Mike served in various United Methodist Churches in Arkansas and was currently the Senior Pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Helena. Mike had a passion for and was involved in many community services. He was named the 2016 Phillips County Citizen of the Year.
Preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Brad Wilkie.
Survivors include his spouse of 16 years, Nancy Watson Wilkie of Helena, AR; a brother, Robert Russell Wilkie (Sandy) of Minden, LA; a step daughter, Nanette Darden (Robert); a step son Rick Warren (Janet) and grandchildren, Joshua Warren, Mary Catherine White (David), Caitlin Tillson and a great grandchild, Braylee Tillson. Along with nieces Leah Donnally and Melissa Fox and nephew John Wilkie.
Visitation with the family will be an hour prior to a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Silver Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Norman officiating. Visitation with the family will be an hour prior to an 11 AM Saturday, January 26, 2019 Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church in Helena, AR. with Rev. Mark Norman officiating. Cremation services were entrusted to Young's Funeral Directors.
Memorial may be made to the church of your choice or to Life Touch Hospice of El Dorado.
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18