Robert L. Wilkes

Robert Lester Wilkes, age 91, of Athens GA passed away March 18, 2021 after a short illness. Mr. Wilkes was the youngest of three sons born to John Wilkes and Beulah Thompson Wilkes in Lyons, GA. He grew up in Lyons on the family farm. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1953. After graduation, he went home to work with his father and brother. He soon decided the farm was not his calling and started work with the Soil Conservation Service. Over his career he mapped the soils of almost one million acres in 100 Georgia counties. His two favorite sites to map were the Chickamauga Battlefield and the two weeks he spent mapping Cumberland Island. His work was published and used as references for many follow up studies.

In 1953, Bob married Frances Reid of Vidalia, GA. They moved several times through his career. They settled in Hinesville, GA for a time where they raised their two daughters. The time in Hinesville was filled with lots of memories and life long friendships. In 1980, they moved to Athens, GA to the state office of the Soil Conservation Service. It was there they stayed after retirement. Every football season was a wonderful time for the family to get together at the Wilkes Hotel for a game and family time. Bob’s love of the Bulldogs started when he made the trip by bus from Lyons to Athens at 12 to visit his brother JC and take in a game starring his all-time favorite player, Charley Trippi. Bob and Frances enjoyed their years in Athens. They had a large circle of friends through their church, the Soil Conservation Service and neighbors.

Bob is predeceased by his wife, Frances Reid Wilkes, daughter Judy Wilkes Mahoney, his parents, and brothers John C. Wilkes and Theron Wilkes.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim Wilkes Reuning (Pete) of Sandy Springs, son-in-law John Mahoney of Lyons, grandsons John Reuning and Tom Reuning(Amanda) of Atlanta, William Olmstead (Katie) of Athens, Robert Olmstead of Wilmington, NC, and John Mahoney of Savannah. He is also survived by great grandchildren Will Olmstead and Smith Olmstead of Athens. Bob was blessed in his faith, family, and friends. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 28, 3:00pm at St. James United Methodist Church, Athens, GA. Covid protocols will be followed by social distancing and wearing of masks. Internment in Lyons, GA will be at a later date. The family wishes to thank everyone at the Mansions of Sandy Springs for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 111 West Lake Drive, Athens, GA 30606.