Ernest Leonard Wilkins Sr.

Ernest L. Wilkins Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Ernest Leonard Wilkins Sr., known as "Ernie" or "Earl," 66, went to be with the Lord Feb. 23, 2009. Ernest was born June 15, 1942, to the late Ernest and Lois Wilkins in Raleigh, N.C. Ernest proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Receiving the Humanitarian Medal and Sea Service Ribbon, he retired as a chief store clerk known to his shipmates as "Scully." He is survived by his wife, Ruby O. Wilkins; his sons, Timothy D. Wilkins, Ernest L. Wilkins Jr. and wife Angela; daughters, Sheila O. Brown, Erica L. Thompson and Ida Wilkins; sister, Gloria D. McClain; aunts, Bessye M. Burwell, Pauline Malone and Margaret Malone; uncle, Vernon Malone; five granddaughters; four grandsons; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and former shipmates. A celebration of life will be conducted by Bishop Clinton Cuffee and the Rev. Leroy Briggs Saturday at noon in the chapel of Altmeyer Funeral Home, Maestas Chapel, 1801 Baltic Ave., Virginia Beach. Open visitation will be Friday from noon to 7 p.m. in the funeral home and 11 a.m. to service time Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 500 Plume St. East, Suite 110, Norfolk, VA 23510. To share condolences with the family, please visit www.altmeyer.com.