Richard Bradford Wilkins Jr.

1937 - 2016

Richard Bradford Wilkins Jr.
1937-2016
"Though lovers be lost love shall not; and death shall have no dominion."
-Dylan Thomas
Richard Bradford Wilkins, Jr. slipped away very peacefully Sunday evening, St. Valentine's Day, February 14, 2016, due to complications of dementia.
Richard was born August 8, 1937 to Richard B. Wilkins and Catherine Hill Wilkins in Dallas, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his grandson, Tanner Bradford Martin. He leaves to mourn his wife, Jeanette Boyer Wilkins; his son, R. Bradford (Christina) Wilkins, III; two daughters, Katherine Elaine Wilkins and Anne Wilkins Emerick; two grand-daughters, Sydney Marie Wilkins and Elizabeth Elaine Wilkins; three grandsons, Dakota Wade Martin, Rohen Nathaniel Emerick and Quinton Wilkins Emerick; his step-daughter, Jeannette R. Trail and grandson, Beau Trail; his step-son, Edward A. (Jannet) Wielenga and grandson, Michael Wielenga and great-granddaughter, Annabelle Jeannet Wielenga.
Richard's childhood was spent between Houston and Dallas, but eventually his family moved to Alexandria, Louisiana. Rick attended Bolton High School forming lifelong friendships. He attended Louisiana State University and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. At LSU, he served on the Law Review graduating with a Juris Doctorate. His time at LSU was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army, serving a year in South Korea on the DMZ. He practiced law in Alexandria until 1973 when he moved his family to Houston. Richard was corporate counsel for several oil and gas companies until the mid-1980's. After that crash of the oil and gas industry, Richard recreated himself as a consultant in the burgeoning computer industry. It was February 8, 1986 when Richard and Jeanette met at a Carnivale party. That party was the start of an ever-deepening relationship leading to their wedding day December 1, 1991.
Richard had his father's love of golf very early and played frequently until dementia overtook him. He had multiple pilot's licenses and owned several small airplanes. He loved cars, and was an enthusiastic scuba diver, tennis player, skier and dancer, sharing his pastimes with his wife, Jeanette. They traveled for diving and skiing, and made multiple European trips to explore England, Germany, Austria, France, Spain and Hungary. He was an avid foodie, cooking for his family, always pursuing the perfect roux. Richard was intelligent, articulate, charming, handsome, generous, witty and funny. He loved his family without reservation, judged no one and celebrated the company of friends. He will be missed sorely and will live in our hearts forever.
Many thanks to the staff of Amazing Place Memory Care, Ramirez Senior Care Services, especially Rick Ramirez and James Hawkins, Kimberley Figgs of Brookdale Tanglewood, and the wonderful doctors, nurses and aides of Garden Terrace Alzheimer Care Center where Richard spent his last few weeks.
Mr. Wilkins' remains will be placed by his family at Houston National Cemetery with military honors, followed by a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a dementia care or research facility of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com