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Wilkes Williams Obituary

Wilkes Boykin Williams died in Screven County Hospital after a brief illness on Monday, March 21, 2011. He was born in Sylvania, Georgia, on June 18, 1927. He was the son of the late Robert Eugene and Lucille Boykin Williams. Wilkes is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Marion "Joty"; brother, Gene Williams; and sisters, Emily Chalker and Martha Overstreet.
Wilkes graduated from the University of Georgia in 1953 with a degree in Journalism. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War and a recipient of the Bronze Star during his service in Korea. Upon returning from Korea, he began his long career in the newspaper business with the Sylvania Telephone. In 1957, he accepted the position of manager of the Chalker Publishing Company and managing editor of The True Citizen in Waynesboro, Georgia. He and business partner, Roy Chalker Sr., were among the first in the state to offer offset printing from a central location and owned interests in several weekly newspapers in Georgia and South Carolina.
After retiring from the newspaper business, he and wife, Joty, returned to Sylvania and opened Possum Eddy Ace Hardware with longtime friends Willard and Billie Lariscy. After retiring from the hardware business, he and Joty acquired the needed skills and training and opened Williams Appraisal Services. After many successful years of real estate appraisal, he retired once more at age 80 but continued to assist with the occasional appraisal.
Among his many accomplishments, Wilkes was the president of the Waynesboro Rotary Club from 1969-1970 and served as a member the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church and a director of the Screven County Chamber of Commerce in Sylvania. He was a founding member of both the Briar Creek Coon Hunters Association and Briar Creek Poets Society. To say that his wit was sharp and his poetry original is to state a truth to lightly.
Although his professional and personal life was filled with many successes, the true joys of Wilkes' life were his family and friends. He and Joty, along with their daughters, Kay and Emily Jo, and their families, traveled throughout the United States and to Europe. Wilkes and Joty were always ready for an adventure and never tired of traveling to Maine or the Appalachian Mountains. His granddaughters, Brooke and Amy, were his pride and joy and their antics his delight. Wilkes was an avid hunter and fisherman. His ability to coax a bass to the surface even in a wintry Briar Creek and his ability to bring a fast moving dove down from incredible heights were legend. No husband was more devoted, no father more loving and supportive, no grandfather more patient and entertaining, and no friend more beloved.
He is survived by daughter, Kay Rogers, and son-in-law, Bill Rogers Jr.; daughter, Emily Jo Williams, and son-in-law, John Murphy; granddaughter, Brooke, and husband, Ben Sacco; granddaughters, Amy Rogers and Jessica Murphy, sister-in-law, Lillian Williams; several nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, at the home of Mr. Williams, 116 West Lake Drive, Sylvania.
The service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Sylvania at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, with the Reverend Mike Benson officiating, followed by burial in Sylvania City Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are David Hinson, Dennis Daley, Sean Cane, Gary Teal, Kelly Newton, Roy Chalker Jr., Tommy Banks and Guy Greene.
Honorary pallbearers are Willard Lariscy Jr., Roland Stubbs, Mack Scott, Bill Lord, Tommy Purser, John Mills, Bill Collins and Willard Lariscy III.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 256, Sylvania, GA 30467; or FoSCA, P.O. Box 98, Sylvania, GA 30467.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home, Screven Chapel, is in charge of all arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, March 22, 2011
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Published by Statesboro Herald from Mar. 22 to Mar. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Dianne Stewart

March 24, 2011

Kay and Emily Jo,
I just wanted to tell you how very special the service was yesterday. Your daddy would have been very pleased with the laughter (although it was mixed with tears). He and Joty were so very special to me. They were so proud of both of you (and the grandchildren)! The last conversations I had with both of them was about you. I know you will miss him so deeply, but his love will continue with you always. Love to you both!
Dianne

Rick Nichols

March 23, 2011

Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful man and did quite a bit for Waynesboro, in business and as a gracious host for many Young Life meetings at your house. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone in the family.

March 23, 2011

Emily Jo and Kay,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He will be missed by many.
Cody really enjoyed being around your dad whether it was on the dove field or in Roland's living room.
Your family is in my prayers.
Jan Maxey Stubbs

Thomas Hinson

March 23, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear of Wilkes' passing. He was truly a remarkable man, and I will never forget his Brier Creek Poet's Society ode to Roland. Wilkes was truly a gentleman and a scholar.

Donnie and Dorothy Bennett

March 22, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

March 22, 2011

Kay, I was so sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. I will be in prayer for you and your family.
Sharon

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Funeral services provided by:

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory-Screven Chapel - Sylvania

202 Ennis Street P.O. Box 551, Sylvania, GA 30467

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