Willard Leon Wilkerson

Willard L. Wilkerson, age 94 of Antioch, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2026. Willard was born February 16, 1932 in Lanett, Alabama to Emmett and Sabie Wilkerson. He was a proud member of the United States Navy during the Korean War conflict. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida and in Kodiak, Alaska. Following the Navy, Willard worked for the J. C. Penny Company. He retired from Penny’s after 28 years, becoming their number two furniture salesman nationwide. He went on to work for Haverty's Furniture, retiring after 17 years of service.

Willard was an active member of The Donelson Fellowship Church. He enjoyed the ongoing fellowship of the life groups both he and Billie belonged to, and he was a committed man of prayer. Willard was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Willard is predeceased by his wife, Billie; his parents, Emmett and Sabie; his brother, Emmett; and one sister, Maggie. He is survived by his sons Jeffrey (Kathie) Wilkerson and Drew (Kay) Wilkerson; by his grandchildren Emily (Will) Vance, Erin Wilkerson, Melissa (Jayson) Bookout, Matthew (Samantha) Wilkerson, Mari (Mitchell) Cisney; and by three great-granddaughters, Emma, Lucy, and Evelyn Wilkerson. He is also survived by his sister, Barbra Barns. The family also wants to thank everyone at The McKendree who so thoughtfully cared for him.

There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Hermitage Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home. Following the service, Willard will be laid to rest in the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, at 1:00 PM with military honors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Wilkerson family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.