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Rodney Wilkinson Obituary
Mr. Wilkinson was born in Blytheville, AR, to the late Ranzy and Jimmie Barnes Wilkinson. He graduated in the Class of 1952 from Gulfport High School. He entered the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He reenlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War where he earned two purple hearts with oak leaf clusters, bronze star with "V" device, among other commendations. He retired from military service after 22 years. He was very active in various military and community organizations, where he held many leadership positions. He enjoyed hunting and fishing during his healthier years. He will be remembered for his dry wit and was respected by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Wilkinson, sister, Linda Hill.
He is survived by his wife, Karen M. Wilkinson of Gulfport; daughter, Karen "Keri" Miller-Piette of Myrtle Beach, SC; "significant" daughter, Judy Steigley of La Porte, IN; grandchildren, Brandy, Cindi, Taryn, Ricki, and T. J.; stepdaughter, Lisa Loutsenhizer (Arthur, Jr.) of Trafford, PA; stepson, Robert Estus (Shara) of Ventura, CA; grandchildren, Brandon Snyder, Crystal, and Arthur, III, Justin and Jakob; two great granddaughters; and his "significant other," Jeanette Sweet.
Visitation will be Monday, November 30, 2009, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, where friends may visit from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
A guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Wilkinson
annie belvin
November 29, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 28, 2009
We've known Mr. Wilkinson in both health and sickness. He was a friend to all of us and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Biloxi VA ER staff.
November 28, 2009
TO THE FAMILY OF RODNEY, WE SEND LOVE AND PRAYERS AT THIS HARD TIME IN YOUR LIFE. JAN AND I SPEND MANY GOOD TIME AT VET PARTY'S THE LAST 20 SOME ODD YEARS. HE CARED FOR EVERYBODY, VETS, AND ANYTHING THAT WAS VETERAN-ORGANIZE. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BUT HE HAS WENT ON TO DO BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS FOR ALL OUR VETERANS. LOVE AND PRAYERS, PAUL AND JAN FARRELL
Patrick Kennedy
November 28, 2009
Karen,
I know you are sad now at the loss of your wonderful husband and lifelong friend. I am honored to have served with him in the building of the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Rodney was good people. I wish I could be there, but I am not sure if I will be. I hope so. Please know from me that he will be missed by me and others. No greater service can be had than those who are willing to give their lives for others to free. Rodney was one of those men. He was my friend and fellow comrade in arms. He was a soldier. God loves his soldiers.
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Dusty Teter
November 27, 2009
Karen, my heart is heavy right now in your loss of Rodney. Great was his love for his fellow veterans and for his Country. He served this Country in two military banches for many years as well as serving in veteran-oriented organizations. I was honored to serve with you and him in the building of the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Gulf Coast Vietnam Veterans Association, and the Gulfport Fourth of July-Independence Day parades for many years. He was a true American Patriot and I will really miss the Grouch. The Grump
Betty Williams
November 27, 2009
Rodney will be remembered for his love of country and big heart. He will be missed!
November 27, 2009
Jan Sweet wants all to remember a man who cared deeply about honor and helping others.
The Staff of Riemann Family Funeral Homes
November 27, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Riemann Family Funeral Homes - Gulfport11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
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