Oswald “Ozzie” Lee Wilkinson, 90, of Hebron died Thursday, September 21, 2023, at his home. Born in Hebron, he was the son of the late Oswald W. Wilkinson and Ruth T. Phillips. He is survived by two children and their spouses, Debra and James Baker of Hebron, and Craig and Sheri Wilkinson of Delmar; son-in-law, Brian Evans; daughters-in-law, Janice Ilczuk and Carol Wilkinson; grandchildren, Tara Owens, David Baker, Ginny Erny, Lee Evans, Kerry Wilkinson, Craig Wilkinson, Megan Maddox, Hannah Tull, Andrew Wilkinson and Abigail Wilkinson; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, and a companion of several years, Gloria Pennewell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, June Marie Wilkinson; daughter, Cynthia Ann Evans; sons, Barry Lynn Wilkinson and Ozzie Jay Wilkinson; and sisters, Ann Mitchell, Virginia Wilson and Mary Jane Wilkinson. The family would like to extend thanks to Jenny Meredith for caring for him over the past few years.
Ozzie graduated from Hebron High School and went to work for Bank’s Pants Company. He retired from Wayne Pump, later known as Dresser Wayne, after 25 years of service. He enjoyed working with his hands and began working as a carpenter. He was employed by Culver and Davis for a short time and then spent many years building homes with his lifelong friend, Walter Collins. In his later years, he continued to use his carpentry skills working for Insley Rentals.
He was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s UMC/The Uprising in Hebron, Faith Baptist Church in Pocomoke, Hebron Lions Club, The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and Hebron Volunteer Fire Department. Ozzie was a Lay Leader at St. Paul’s and served in many leadership roles through the years. He acted as Hebron Town Commissioner from 1992-1998.
His hobbies included singing and cabinet building. He was a member of several quartets, most notably The King’s Ambassadors and The Sonshiners Quartet. Ozzie and June spent many years antiquing and even opened a small business called The Tin Peddler marketing their antiques and cabinets. He was also an avid train collector. Camping was a passion resulting in many precious family memories throughout the years. He was happiest with his large family around and especially enjoyed celebrating the holidays with them.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at The Uprising on Walnut Street in Hebron, MD, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor William Cropper will officiate. Interment will follow in Hebron Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Ozzie’s memory to The Uprising Church, P.O. Box 29, Hebron, MD 21830 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733.
Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.
