Nathan "Nate" Crawford Wilkes, III, age 72, of Greenwood, devoted husband to Nancy Davis Wilkes, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 6, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Nate was the son of the late Nathan Crawford Wilkes, Jr. and Willie Brown Wilkes. He was a proud graduate of North Augusta High School and went on to attend Clemson University before earning his degree in Forestry from Georgetown/Horry Technical College.
Nate dedicated over four decades to the forestry industry, working as a timber cruiser for Georgia-Pacific, Champion International, International Paper, and West Fraser Forest Products, where he remained until his retirement. His deep respect for nature and unwavering work ethic defined his professional life.
A man with a servant's heart, Nate gave generously of his time and energy to his community. While living in Edgefield, he served as a volunteer firefighter and later became a Royal Ambassador (RA) leader at North Side Baptist Church in Greenwood, where he nurtured young lives with faith and kindness.
To his grandsons, he was lovingly known as "Poppy," and to his sisters, simply "Bo." Nate cherished his family above all else, finding his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of camping trips, storytelling, and time spent together under the stars.
In addition to his beloved wife Nancy, Nate is survived by his daughter Amanda Lloyd (Zach) and son David Wilkes (Mandee), both of Greenwood; and his treasured grandchildren, Tanner Lloyd and Calvin Wilkes. He is also survived by his sisters: Kay Gillian (Pete) of Chapin, Ann Wilkes of North Augusta, and Jane Jackson (Jimmy) of Eureka.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, September 22, at North Side Baptist Church, with Dr. Jeff Lethco officiating. Burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park. The family is at the home, and will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Pallbearers will be Tanner Lloyd, Zach Lloyd, Jimmy Mullan, Perry Davis, Mike Davis and Geoffrey Gillian.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be shared at
www.blythfuneralhome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to assist the Wilkes family during this time.
Published by The Index-Journal from Sep. 18 to Sep. 19, 2025.