Matthew Robert Wilkinson Sr.

FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA | Matthew Robert Wilkinson, Sr. age 31 passed away on Oct. 21, 2015 in Ft. Sill, OK.  Matthew was born in Conway, S.C. on Apr. 3, 1984. He was formerly of New Bern.
He was a 2002 graduate of Princess Anne High School in VA Beach, VA.  Following graduation, Matthew enlisted in the US Army.  He received his education at Ft. Sam Houston Medical Training Facility in San Antonio, TX joining the 232nd Medical Battalion, "Soldier Medic….Warrior Spirit!"  Matthew served his country proudly while assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood TX during a fifteen month deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Matthew was a paratrooper and loved the thrill of "the jump!"  Throughout his military career he made countless sacrifices for his comrades, family and friends.  Matthew loved the water and enjoyed boating, surfing, skiing, fishing and diving.  He was a certified diving instructor and was able to free dive without oxygen to a depth of 120 ft. 
Matthew is survived by two beloved sons, Matthew Robert Wilkinson, Jr. of TX and Robert Michael Wilkinson of Wilmington, N.C. Matthew is also survived by his beloved mother, Cathy Pollock Lightfoot of Appomattox, VA, a beloved brother, Frederick Alan Wilkinson, Jr. of VA Beach, VA and a beloved sister, Caitlyn Grace Wilkinson of Appomattox, VA, a loving Grandmother, Kathryn Blevins Pollock of Charleston, S.C.  Matthew leaves behind many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.  Matthew is preceded in death by his beloved father, Frederick Alan Wilkinson, Sr. of New Bern, N.C. 
Matthew was an extraordinary man whose passion for life and love created an ineffable beauty in a simple human heart.  He left this earth far too soon and his memory will be cherished forever by those who were fortunate to have crossed his path on this journey called life.
Funeral services for Matthew and his father, Fred will be on Friday, Dec. 4th, at 11:00 at Pollock-Best Funeral Home and Cremations in New Bern, N. C.  Burial will follow at Cove City Cemetery where father and son will be interred beside each other. There will be a reception afterwards at Cove City Missionary Baptist Church.  Family and friends are also welcome to join Matthew's family at 3803 Ocean Drive East in Emerald Isle where they will be lodging.
Online condolences may be directed to www.pollockbest.com
Arrangements by Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations.