Charles Durand Wilkinson Sr.

CHARLES DURAND WILKINSON SR. Age 76, of Belle Glade, FL, passed away on November 22, 2002 at his home. He was born December 30, 1925 near Claxton, Georgia. At a very early age his family moved to the newly established farming community of Canal Point and later to Pahokee, FL. He graduated from Pahokee High School in 1944 and then served in the United States Army at the conclusion of World War II. Mr. Wilkinson returned home in 1945 to become sales manager for Hull Packing Company, a pioneer company in the production and distribution of winter vegetables. In 1965, Charles and his brothers founded Wilkinson Cooper Produce, Inc., where he was serving as President and General Manger at the time of his death. Known as "Charlie" to many in the fresh produce industry, he was instrumental in building the firm to one of the largest independent packer-shippers in the Lake Okeechobee agricultural region. The firm also has sales operations in Hopeful, GA and customers throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is survived by the devoted mother of his children, Hilda Hull Wilkinson of Pahokee, FL; four sons, Charles Durand "Randy" Wilkinson, Jr. of Okeechobee, Gibson Clark Wilkinson of Palm Beach Gardens, Thomas Craig Wilkinson of Bradenton, Myles Hull Wilkinson of Rockledge; and one daughter, Tyran Wilkinson Perkins of Centerville, Alabama. He is also survived by brother Harold Wilkinson and sister Barbara Shirley; Daughters-in-law, Bernadette, Suzanne, Suzy and Kim; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and James Coffee. Visitation and viewing will be held on Monday, November 25, 2002 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Belle Glade, 17 N.W. Avenue B, Belle Glade, FL. A funeral service is scheduled at the same location on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 11:00 AM. Contributions may be made to The American Heart Association or Hospice of Palm Beach County. ARRANGEMENTS BY: GLADES FUNERAL CHAPEL BELLE GLADE, FLORIDA LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED