RESCUE — Ralph R. Wilkerson, 80, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 after an extended illness.

Born in Barboursville on Nov. 4, 1936, he was the son of the late Lee Everett and Virgie Dowell Wilkerson.  His daughter, Tracey Lynn Wilkerson (d. 2010) also preceded him in death.

A beloved husband and father, and brother, Ralph leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 55 years, Betty Sue Warren Wilkerson; daughter, Sharon L. Wilkerson; son, Roger Wilkerson, and his wife, Jean; sister, Joyce W. Thacker, and her husband, Ollie; and a host of extended family and friends, all who will miss him.

Ralph honorably served his county in the Army during the Cold War, and was stationed at Nike Ajax Missile Base (now Nike Park) in Carrollton, and had resided in Rescue for 60 years.  After leaving the Army, he worked at Newport News Shipbuilding as a supervisor. He then, was the owner/operator of Home Appliance Repair in Smithfield. He was an avid fisherman and had worked extensively for the Isle of Wight County Fair.

A private graveside will be held in St Luke’s Memorial Park.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Ralph’s memory to the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 77, Carrollton, VA  23314.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 14214 Carrollton Blvd. Carrollton, VA.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.