Gary L. Wilkinson

A celebration of life service for Mr. Gary L. Wilkinson will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 N Tampa St. Tampa, Florida Pastor Lennox Zamore with Dr. Jeffery L Singletary, Officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, Florida.

Gary Lenard Wilkinson was born on June 21, 1965 in Ft. Myers, Florida to Raymond Wilkinson and JoAnn Crosby. He grew up in Immokalee, Florida and graduated from Immokalee High. He led Immokalee High’s varsity basketball team and secured his place as drum major in the band for years to come. When he decided to continue his education, he relocated to Tampa, Florida to attend the University of South Florida.

Gary became a member of Temple Terrace Baptist Church with his beautiful wife Anna and children Alicia and Jalisa Wilkinson. They later became members of Idlewild Baptist Church Central Campus under the leadership of Pastor Jeffery Singletary. Throughout the years, Gary became a devoted member involved in many ministries; from Deacon Ministries, student ministries, Freedom Weekend, playing the bongos and mission trips. Gary was dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. Gary and Anna also initiated a cancer support ministry titled, “Hands of Faith.” After the death of his beautiful wife he continued serving down in Miramar, Florida as one of the youth leaders.

Gary was preceded in the death by his beloved wife, Anna Wilkinson; parents, Raymond Wilkinson and JoAnn Crosby; brothers, Raymond Wilkinson Jr., Leon Wilkinson and  Allen Wilkinson.

Gary leaves his current wife, Katrina Spurlin; devoted daughters Alicia Wilkinson and Jalisa Wilkinson- Surcy (Brian); grandchild, Julianna Surcy; siblings, Margaret Rickerson (Jessie), Geraldine Miller, Sandra Freeman, Theotis Wilkinson (Jolee),Tiwana Crosby and Jason Crosby; God-children,Devon Jackson, Ciara Burns, Chasney Dexter, Jordan Ward, DeAna Ward, Azaria Harvey, Kelyce Williams and a host of aunties, uncles, extended brothers, extended sisters, nieces, nephews and friends created through time and love.