Richard Edgar Wilkes

1928 - 2025

Richard Edgar Wilkes, passed into heaven on November 12, 2025 surrounded by loves ones at the Warner Hospice Care Center.
He was born in Sanderson, Florida on January 18, 1928. He was the son of Hilton Henry Wilkes and Inez Boyd Wilkes.
He was predeceased by his wife Rossie of 56 years, his parents, brother Henry, sisters Mamie Lou Coleman, Tennie Lou Coleman and also a baby sister .
He is survived by three children, Rick(Sheryl), Yulee, Preston(Lucy) North Carolina, and Frances(Ralph) Fernandina Beach, 6 granddaughters who were his heart, 12 great grandchildren and 5 great- great grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces and many good friends.
"Whip" as he was known was a dynamic fast pitch softball pitcher around North Florida. He was also a guitar player and old time country music singer, especially any Hank Williams songs. When he could he played at the Bryceville Community Center and the Woodbine Opry in Woodbine Georgia.
Papa was a dedicated employee of Container Corporation now Smurfit Westrock for 35 years where he retired as Assistant Wood yard Superintendent. When not there he was working many side jobs for his family. He especially loved building things.
He was Baptist Faith and attended Duval Station Baptist Church and Blackrock Baptist when he could.
His services will be Saturday November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Blackrock Baptist Church at 96362 Blackrock Road with Rev. Frank Camarotti and Rev. John Kasper officiating. A viewing will be Friday November 21, 2025 from 6-8 pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, 1305 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital and Warner Community Hospice.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com