William Andrew Wilkinson Jr.

1923 - 2016

William Andrew Wilkinson, Jr.

Raleigh

William Andrew Wilkinson, Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 7. He was born November 2, 1923 in Concord, NC. He was the son of William Andrew Wilkinson and Ella Mae Rumple. He attended Concord schools and enrolled in N. C. State College. In 1941, after his freshman year, he volunteered to serve his country in the Army Air Force. He became a flight instructor. He then completed day and night solos in B-29's and was ready to leave for the South Pacific when the war was over. While training in Montgomery, Alabama, he met Martha Ann O'Rear who was in college at Huntingdon. They were married the next year.

After the war, he and Martha returned to N. C. State University where he graduated in engineering in 1948. He went to work for Swaim Supply in Rocky Mount as a heating engineer. After working there and in High Point, he came to Raleigh for Noland Company where he later became manager. In 1965, with one employee and the help of his wife, he opened Wilkinson Supply Co. With his engineering experience, his honesty, determination, and hard work the business flourished and is run today by his son, Andy.

He was a former member of the Sertoma and Stag Clubs. He was a member of the Carolina Country Club. He was a charter member of Highland United Methodist Church and steadfast in his faith. He loved the Wolfpack and attended all the games until health forced him to watch on television.

Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes and many stories are told about his experiences. He always had a boat – from the 14-foot one he built in his house to the 31-foot one in which he was lost at sea for three days. He was very good at woodworking, and made many pieces of furniture which are cherished as they grace the homes of his children and grandchildren.

He and Martha enjoyed traveling and visited many sites around the world. They loved their late summer visits to Park City, Utah. Visiting National Parks in the West was a favorite.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, his daughter Judy Brock and her husband Kenan and his son William Andrew Wilkinson, III (Andy) and his wife Mildred. He is also survived by grandsons Drew Wilkinson, Judson Brock and Damon Brock (Jane). He is also survived by granddaughters Courtney Kane(Jonathan), Audrey Loder(Brad), Erin Fulk(Jeff), Melissa Williams(Craig), and sixteen adorable great-grandchildren.

Many thanks to Owen Kapanga who took such loving care of him for the last several months.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 1:00 PM, Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh. The family will receive friends at the church after the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bryan-lee funeralhome.com