William Edward "ED" Wilkes

William Edward Wilkes "Ed" originally of Cedartown, GA passed away peacefully under the care of Rennes Health & Rehab Center and Compassus Hospice on August 5, 2025 in Weston, WI at the age of 90 with family by his side. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Wilkes; daughter, Toni and Nolan Stoner; parents, Inez Williamon and John Wilkes; step-father, Roy Williamon; 5 brothers, Burnell (Charlotte), Floyd (Willie), Bobby, Coy, and Lawrence (Jean). Ed is survived by his daughter, Lisa Vasser (Clayton Boutelle) Nelson, WI; grandchildren, Leslie Mitchell (Ivan) of Wausau, WI; Blake Cain of Lula, GA, and Jennifer Moore (Jason) of Cartersville, GA. Also, survived by great-grandchildren Cody and Taylor Bauer (Wausau, WI), Andrew Cain (Holton, MI), and Hadley, Lainey, and Micah Moore (Cartersville, GA). In addition to survivors is his sister-in-law Sara Francis Wilkes and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ed was born on August 15, 1934 in Cedartown, GA. He is a 1954 high school graduate of Cedartown High School and attended college at Jacksonville State University. He was a highly talented all-around athlete playing baseball, football, basketball and track. In football he gained all-state honors as a running back and participated in the North-South All-Star Game receiving several college scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. However, baseball became his ambition after playing in the North-South All-Star game at old Ponce de Leon Park in Atlanta as a shortstop-second baseman. In 1955, he joined the Washington Nationals Senators' training camp located at Winter Garden, Florida. Here he enjoyed his time as an outfielder. Later, he spent a season in the Sally League with the Charlotte Hornets. He was there for about 3 ½ months until he separated his shoulder ending not only his season but also his pro career. Wilkes served in the Army from March 1953 to March 1962. He had been deployed to Germany and played baseball for the Mannheim "Barrons" as a second baseman and part of the 3rd Gun Battalion. After returning state-side he met his wife while working as a flagman. They were married September 16, 1961. Later, he became employed with the Atlanta Gas Light Company as a serviceman and served his community 4 non-consecutive terms as a city commissioner, with the first being in 1971. He retired from Atlanta Gas Light in 1996 after 35 years of service. He was known as the funniest person with the best sense of humor and stories galore. He adored Gina Lollobrigida, Braves baseball, golf, gospel music and aggravating "granny". He loved whole-heartedly and will be greatly missed. Helke Funeral Home of Wausau, WI will hold visitation only in their chapel from 1-3 o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Funeral arrangements have been made at Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home in Cedartown, Georgia. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, 8/22/25 from 6-9 o'clock in the evening with a service being held at 10 o'clock in the morning on Saturday 8/23/25 with Rev. Jonathan Blackmon officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot of Polk Memory Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Wayne Benefield officiating. Flowers are welcome as well as donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Legion Post #86 Cedartown, GA. A reception will follow and be announced at the funeral. Please join the family with food and stories. The family would like to thank all caregivers that have taken care of him through the years. Especially, Primrose, Rennes, and Compassus Hospice with a special thank you to the nurses Marge, Abby, Roseann, and also to Jennie and Grace Fiedler. Everyone's care has been truly amazing and greatly appreciated. Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com. The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted in the services for Mr. William Edward (Ed) Wilkes.