Lafayette Thomas "Mugsy" Wilkins

Lafayette Thomas "Mugsy" Wilkins, 88, of Suffolk, Virginia, was called home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Mugsy is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Brittle Wilkins; his loving daughter, Dana Ewaldt, and his beloved granddaughters, Kallan Lowry and Julianna Lowry and sons-in-law Jeffrey Ewaldt and Jan Lowry. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Kristian Lowry, his parents, Lafayette and Gurney Wilkins and parents-in-law Rev. and Mrs. R.E. Brittle.
Mugsy spent his life faithfully serving both his Savior Jesus Christ and his country. Guided by his faith, he embraced each day as a chance to live out the calling the Lord placed on his heart. He made it his purpose to serve those around him by leading with humility, kindness, and grace. His quiet strength and steadfast faith guided him through every season of life, and he never missed an opportunity to share God's love through his actions, generosity, and gentle spirit.
He was happiest outdoors-traveling, tending to his garden, fishing, or simply sitting with family watching the animals graze in his backyard. Mugsy loved his community deeply and found joy in life's simple blessings: sharing a meal, spending time with loved ones, and making everyone laugh with his quick wit. His faith was his foundation, his family his greatest blessing, and his community his mission field.
Mugsy was born in 1937 and raised in Suffolk, VA, and graduated from Holland High School in 1954. After high school, Mugsy attended Elon College, receiving a Bachelor's of Arts in Religious Education; then a Bachelor's of Divinity from Duke University. Later in life receiving a Master's in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University.
Mugsy married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Martha, in August 1961. They had a wonderful love story which resulted in 64 years of marriage. They operated as a team, supporting each other through thick and thin. This powerful bond had a deep love with a deep love of service. Martha, also receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Religious education from Elon College, and served alongside Mugsy in their shared ministries. They educated, mentored, and shared the Lord through their professions and volunteering work, which Martha still continues today.
Mugsy's pastoral experience began in 1956, serving churches in North Carolina and Virginia from 1956-1969. He was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1960. In June 1969, he received his endorsement from the UCC and his commission in the US Army as a Chaplain. He served in his ministry around the world, including several US Army bases, Vietnam (Vietnam War), many years in Germany and Saudi Arabia (The Gulf War; Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm). He was highly decorated, receiving numerous medals and awards and retiring honorably in 1993 as an US Army Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service.
Awards included: U.S. Legion Of Merit, 3 Bronze Stars, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, Air Metal, Army Commendation Medal, 2 National Defense Ribbons, Vietnam Service with 3 Campaign Stars, 2 Overseas Service Ribbons, 3 Southwest Asia Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Kuwait Liberation Medal, 2 Overseas Service Bars.
Once retired from the Army, Mugsy looked forward to serving again as a church pastor. He was chosen to lead the Franklin Christian Church in Franklin, VA from 1993 until his retirement in 2002. Officially retired, Mugsy served as Pastor Emeritus of Franklin Christian Church and you would find Mugsy preaching on many Sundays providing rest for the pastors in the community, even preaching his last sermon two days before his death.
Mugsy always had a joke as he loved to laugh and make others laugh. His lifetime ministry focused on sharing his experience of God's love and the expertise acquired to lead others in spiritual growth, being a friend and a confidant, and helping others grow in their Christian faith. Always focusing on responsibility, accountability and helping others he leaves a strong legacy of fighting for and supporting equal rights for all. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Mugsy's life will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Bethlehem Christian Church, 1549 Holland Road Suffolk, VA 23434. To honor Mugsy's service to our nation, he will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veteran's Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia (5310 Milners Road) on November 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made in Mugsy's memory to Bethlehem Christian Church Endowment Fund.
R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory Downtown Suffolk Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.