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BORN
1961
DIED
2021
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Delbert Wilkes Obituary
December 21, 1961 - June 30, 2021
Newberry, South Carolina - Delbert "Del" Alexander Wilkes, Jr., 59, of Newberry, died on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
Born on December 21, 1961 in Columbia, SC, he is a son of Kathleen Moore and Delbert A. Wilkes, Sr. of Newberry.
Del attended Irmo High School and was recruited as an offensive lineman to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 1980 to 1984. He had an outstanding career on the football field and is one of only four consensus All-American football players in the program's history.
After playing football for the Gamecocks, Del went on to become a professional wrestler, wrestling for The American Wrestling Association, Global Wrestling Federation, All Japan Pro Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling and Worldwide Wrestling Federation. He quickly became a fan favorite as "The Trooper" and later as "The Patriot". Among his many accolades, he achieved The Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year.
After retiring from his decade long wrestling career, Del worked at Dick Smith Nissan in Columbia as a car salesman and attended Gantt Street Baptist Church in Cayce, SC.
Of all his accomplishments, Del took the most pride in being a grandfather. He loved his grandchildren, Abigail and Garnet, unconditionally.
Along with his parents, Del is survived by two sons, Alex Wilkes of Manchester, NH and Robert Wilkes (Madison) of Irmo, SC; a daughter, Mallie Little (Coy) of Charlotte, NC; mother of his children, Teresa Bray; sister, Deborah Wilkes of Newberry; brother, Patrick Wilkes (Lea) of Newberry; special nieces, Shelby (Van) and Kathleen Land both of Mississippi, Kinnon (Nathan) Jackson of Inman, SC, and Soulie (Steven) and Trotter Long of Inman, SC; and very special friend, Allen Wright Adkins.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 5, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Gantt Street Baptist Church in Cayce, SC with Reverend Gene Rowell officiating. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry.
To honor Del, the family has suggested memorials be made to Gantt Street Baptist Church, 2121 Gantt St, Cayce, SC 29033.
Memories and messages of comfort may be left for the family on Del's tribute page at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Delbert Wilkes
David Levenstein
September 20, 2021
Del was such a great guy. We talked much on Twitter. Was stunned he passed. Had talked with him 2 days before. Said he was feeling great. Loved his Gamecocks. We were from different sides if the political isle but we always found common talking ground. I will miss him much. May he Rest In Peace.
Raynard Brown
July 9, 2021
Sorry for your loss.I played with Del during the 1984 season.He was great teammate and leader.
David Hutto
July 8, 2021
A Awesome person and a fantastic pro wrestler . I watched you as a kid in the AWA as the Trooper . I was a Huge Fan . Thank You Del .Many Blessings.
Jerry and Pam Logan Greenville, SC
July 6, 2021
Family, Sooo sorry for your loss! May Jesus comfort and strengthen you! We knew Del as a teenager at Faith Baptist Campground.
Anthony
July 6, 2021
I was a wrestling fan in the 90's. It's surreal to think that he was only active in WWF for 3 months, because he made such a lasting impact that people are still talking about his run over 20 years later. On camera, he had such an endearing personality that I can only believe was his genuine self shining through the character. Condolences to everyone who knew him in real life. The wrestling world misses him, too.
Beth (Gasaway) Hepner
July 5, 2021
Our family just saw this and grieve with you. My dad, Mike Gasaway, always came home with the best stories from working with Del at Nissan. Dad really treasured their friendship over the years and I'm sure greeted him in heaven ready to talk football again! Love and comfort from Mike's family to yours! We will surely see them again!
Jho McCraw
July 5, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you, Jho McCraw
Ric Gillespie
July 4, 2021
To Del's friends and family, my condolences. He was a special guy, and he will be missed.
Linda and JJ Santiago
July 4, 2021
JJ and I met Del many years ago when I was looking for a car, we enjoyed talking with Del whenever our paths would cross. Our deepest sympathy to Del's family.
Big Jim Cudd
July 4, 2021
I was shocked with the devastating news of Del´s passing. It just doesn´t seem real that I can´t pick up the phone and call him. We had a great talk at brother Sammy´s funeral. My heart goes out to Delbert and Kathleen, Deborah and Pat!! I´m comforted knowing of Del´s salvation and we´ll meet him in the morning Amen!!
Sammy Sweeney Family
July 3, 2021
Our hearts are full with passing of Del, Jr for Delbert, Kathleen, Pat and Deborah as well as children Mallie, Alex and Robert and especially Abigail and Garnet.
Miss you cuz, wrapped in the arms of your Savior.
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