Joseph Berry Wilkins

Joseph Berry Wilkins, 81, was with his family at home when he was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Born in Wayne County on April 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Nathan Allen and Hazel Langston Wilkins. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, J.A. Wilkins.
Joe attended all his school years at Grantham School, graduating in 1961. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in October of 1961, serving eight years and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the Air Force, he served in Vietnam. Skilled as an electrician, he was a member of a "Red Horse Team" formed to provide construction of United States military facilities along the DMZ, in support of United States forces stationed there.
Following his military service, he was employed by GSA working at the State Department in Washington, DC. Returning to his hometown in 1980, he continued his federal government employment with the United States Postal Service in Goldsboro, NC, until his retirement in January of 1996. During his retirement, he enjoyed the outdoors and being active while golfing, fishing and hunting. He loved working with his bird dogs, quail hunting; and later with his beagles, chasing rabbits. Joe was happiest when close to nature and walking in the woods with his hunting dogs.
In the past three years, while living in the Cape Carteret community, he enjoyed riding his golf cart, visiting MacDaddy's where he felt at home and grew to love the staff there and listening to karaoke on Tuesday nights. Joe always loved music of most varieties, beach music, bluegrass, country, gospel; and loved to follow the successes of the local Malpass Brothers and was a big fan.
Joe is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nan B. Wilkins; son, Jeff Wilkins and wife, Diana of Dunn Loring, VA; daughter, Cindy Sasser and husband, CAPT Bill of Cape Carteret; grandchildren, Adam Wilkins, Nathan Wilkins, Emily Wilkins, Camber Beck (CPT Drew Beck), Capt. Hayden Sasser, Darcy Sasser, and 2LT Liam Sasser; great-grandchildren, Indy and Reagan; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Falling Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Robert Ellis officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Falling Creek Baptist Church, 498 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.