William Ross Wilkins Jr.

William Ross Wilkins, Jr, 70, of Smithfield, VA passed away on January 5, 2022. He was born on February 10, 1951, in Winston-Salem, NC, to Nell Carlton Wilkins and the late William Ross Wilkins, Sr. Mr. Wilkins is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ivory Rice Wilkins; son, William Ross (April) Wilkins, III; daughter, Chairta Wilkins; grandchildren, Roemio Wilkins and Amaya Wilkins; mother, Nell Wilkins, sister, Kadena Wilkins, and several extended family members. William graduated from Andersen High School in Winston-Salem, NC. At the age of 26, William enlisted in the Air Force, where he initially served in security forces guarding ICBM's and later served as a mechanic repairing jet engines for various aircraft. His engine analysis led to a policy change and a 15% reduction in jet engine failure. This resulted in him receiving an Air Force achievement medal. William served nearly 18 years stationed in the United Kingdom, Wyoming, Virginia and Arizona. At the end of his duty, he found his home in Hampton, Virginia. It was there that William continued his line of public service working for the Post Office and eventually as a lens technician at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. William loved music, woodworking, and gardening. He could repair or make anything using his ingenuity and determination. William was hard working, a protector, and loved his family, he was always in good spirits. His positive and caring attitude was what made him loved not only by friends and family, but by all who had the pleasure working with him. A graveside service will be held on January 28th at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com