Name: Service for Dr. David S. Wilkinson
Start: 2025-01-18T18:00:00.000Z
Location: auditorium at Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building on the VCU School of Medicine Campus

Dr. David S. Wilkinson

February 2, 1945 - January 12, 2025

Dr. David S. Wilkinson of Richmond, Virginia passed away suddenly on January 12, 2025, at his home. He was 79. Dave was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was born on February 2, 1945, in Richmond, Virginia to Herbert Carroll and Hattie May Wilkinson (Vaughan). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Stuart.

Dave married Judy (Pace), the love of his life, in June 1967. Together they raised three daughters, Jill, Julie, and Virginia. They were his light and his inspiration.

Dave graduated from John Marshall high school in 1963 and then attended the Virginia Military Institute on a football scholarship. He was an offensive lineman, as befitting his physical stature and his desire to always move the ball forward. His devotion to his beloved alma mater was profound, and he valued his time there above all other academic pursuits. The VMI code of honor was his bond, and he used it to conduct himself with integrity throughout his estimable career.

Upon graduation from VMI in 1967, Dave earned a PhD in Experimental Oncology at the University of Wisconsin. He then continued his studies at the University of Miami School of Medicine, earning an MD degree in 1977. He served proudly in the United States Army as a physician, receiving honorable discharge at the rank of Major in 1982.

Dave was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pathology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine for twenty years, from 1993 to 2013, and he remained there as a contributing Emeritus Professor until his death. During his tenure as Chairman, he led the department's modernization initiatives in molecular medicine, computer technology, and medical informatics through the recruitment of a very distinguished research and physician faculty. His passion for teaching medical students, training residents, and sharing his wealth of professional knowledge with his colleagues took him all around the world. Dave eagerly assumed leadership positions in several national and international Pathology professional organizations where his skills as a physician executive were valued through many decades of selfless service. He was a friend and mentor to generations of scientists and medical doctors who admired his warmth, humor, humility, and tremendous generosity of spirit. He was a true leader who inspired excellence through example, and he will be greatly missed by all those who worked with him and for him.

While his professional accomplishments were many, Dave was a family man above all else. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Judy; daughters Jill Wilkinson, Julie Crain (Jonathan), and Virginia O'Neil (Robbie); grandchildren Nicole Murphy (Gabriel), Kelli Schindel (Cade), Abigail Journell (Chase), Sydney O'Neil, Harlynne Crain, and Canyon Crain; great grandson Doss David Journell; and countless friends, colleagues, and staff members.

To honor his memory, a service will be held on January 18, 2025, at 1 p.m., in the auditorium at Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building on the VCU School of Medicine Campus.

Address: 1217 E Marshall St. Richmond, Va 23219Parking details: VCU medical center parking deck, 529 North 12th St. Richmond, Va 23298.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you would consider donating blood to the American Red Cross or make a donation to the Massey Cancer Center in remembrance of Dr. David S. Wilkinson.

Woody Funeral Home

1020 Huguenot Rd. Midlothian, VA 23113

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wilkinson

Sponsored by Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel.

31 Entries

Muriel Lou C. Sullano

February 10, 2025

I just knew today that Dr Wilkinson has passed away... I work with him before in the Apheresis Unit of VCU Medical Center. He is a wonderful and intelligent Dr. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

Taylor Roberts

February 5, 2025

I was fortunate to be Dave's roommate at VMI for three years. I remember his intelligence, integrity, athleticism, and friendship. I remember his love for Judy, which he stated clearly the moment he walked into our room on our first day together. Dave, Tubby, you will be missed.

William J. Frable

Planted Trees

William J. Frable, M.D.

January 22, 2025

My Condolences Judy to you and amily. David was a fine gentleman and a great Chair of Pathology. I enjoyed working with him very much
Sincerely, Jack Frable

Aaron Bossler

January 21, 2025

Dr. Wilkinson was an important mentor to me and many. His wisdom and kindness will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family.

E Rene Rodriguez

January 20, 2025

I one's career there are many teachers, colleagues etc. Only a few stand out. Dave was one who stood out.

Margaret Neal

January 20, 2025

As a AP/CP resident in pathology at GW many years ago, Dr Wilkinson was a wonderful mentor. I feel so fortunate to have spent years working together later on the RUC and for CAP. He was well respected as a very accomplished pathologist, a true leader, and a passionate teacher. I enjoyed our time together so much and was privileged to know him as a personal friend. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.

Jack O. Lanier

January 20, 2025

In memory of a dear friend, fellow department chair and faculty member at the VCU Health System.

Ann Leonard Harris Ragland

January 20, 2025

Dear Judy and family
I was honored to have worked under Dave's leadership in the Department of Pathology from 1997 to 2013.
I am very sad that I was unable to attend the memorial service on January18th.
May God hold you close and give you comfort and peace.
Ann Leonard Harris Ragland, Outreach Manager

Joe Teefey

January 18, 2025

I will miss Tubby. I have known him for many years. He was special to me. Joe Teefey

Ashley Ellis

January 17, 2025

Dr. Wilkinson was an advocate, a great teacher, and a role model. DW was the real deal. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
He helped me tremendously during residency because he saw something in me that I did not see.
He always spoke fondly of his family and VMI. He was an honorable and good man. We should all hope to demonstrate his character and commitment to family, friends, and education of the next generation of physicians. I had a tradition of calling or texting him to give him birthday wishes. I will continue to wish him happy birthday every year.

Though he has transitioned out of this earthly life, his contributions and impact will be felt for a very long time.

Very Respectfully,
Ashley Ellis

Steve Price

January 17, 2025

Dave and I often had lunch at the same table until I retired. He was a good natured, down to earth who was never less than a nice guy. Rest in peace, my friend.

Ayanna Wooding and family

Sent Flowers

James Cain

January 16, 2025

Tubby was the one Brother Rat that all the rest of us looked up to, respected, and admired; and who we just enjoyed being around.

Sue Roseff

January 16, 2025

I have been fortunate to have known Dave since I was resident at George Washington and have now worked with him for 25 years at VCU. Not only did he begin as my teacher and mentor, but he has also been one of my closest friends. His loss is heart-breaking. All of us who have known him will keep him in our hearts. Love to Judy and his wonderful family.

Joy Malkin

January 16, 2025

I had the pleasure to work with Dr.Wilkinson for 15 years doing development work. He was a favorite of mine. I loved hearing about the family vacations to Disney. He was such a good guy.

Robert and Alton Mohrbacher

January 16, 2025

Judy and family,

We are saddened to hear of David passing. He was a great mentor and friend. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Bob and Alton

Keith Baker

January 16, 2025

David was a beautiful human being. He loved his family and often talked about his granddaughter with me - when he did his face would light up. As a colleague, he exuded competence and professionalism. He was a passionate advocate for aspiring pre-meds, and always found ways to speak up in defense of what he believed. I think what I will remember most is his gentle soul, his optimism, his tremendous work ethic, and his wonderful smile. His presence and perspective will be greatly missed but never forgotten. My sincere condolences to the family of this unforgettable man.

J. I. Orrison

January 16, 2025

May the Lord welcome you home, Brother Rat. It was a honor to know you beginning with Rat football in 1963 thru all the VMI experiences both during and after our time in barracks. You were an example for generations to emulate. Truly a fair specimen of a citizen soldier. You will be missed, but remembered.

Vic Tambone

January 15, 2025

I met "Tubby" at VMI and am proud to call him a Brother Rat. I remained at the "I" for two years before I left to attend the Air Force Academy, but returned to attend many reunions. What I remember most is that Tubby would always greet me with a great smile and a sense that we had been friends forever. He was a warm and sincere person who respected everyone whom he met and made you feel good about living every day. He will be missed by many, but encouraged many more. My sincere condolences to his family.

Terry Miffleton

January 15, 2025

Dave was a wonderful physician, husband, father, grandfather and friend . He will be greatly missed by all Our heartfelt condolences to Judy and the entire family. RIP Dr. Wilkinson

Mauritta Yvonne Baker-Hill

January 15, 2025

Dr. Wilkinson was a wonderful person. His love of medicine his ability to show kindness to everyone will be a lasting memory.

Roger and Carol Riley

Planted Trees

Rita Shiang

January 15, 2025

I didn't know him well but as a member of WISDM (Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine) Faculty Organization at VCU, he was a real advocate and promoter of his women faculty in the School of Medicine. I was sad to hear of his passing and want to send my condolences to his family.

Svetlana Zmanovskaia

January 15, 2025

Thank you, Dr. Wilkinson for all you have done for VCU's Transfusion Medicine Department. I would always remember your smiling at the morning huddles. You will be deeply missed!

Mike Bagnulo

January 15, 2025

I looked forward to playing golf with "Tubby" every year in Southern Pines with our other Brother Rats. He was always upbeat, sharp and full of VMI stories. His is a great loss for the school and the community. RIP Brother Rat.

Al Sirica

January 15, 2025

I was both deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Dave Wilkinson and wish to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Judy and their family for their loss. Although I had known of Dave, I first met him when he became the Chair of VCU's Department of Pathology in 1993. In 1984, I had been recruited to VCU from the University of Madison School of Medicine to develop a Division of Experimental Pathology and when Dave became Chair, I continued to serve in that capacity, as well as a member of the department's Executive Committee. As Chair, Dave recruited his close friend and colleague Carleton Garrett from the Department of Pathology at George Washington University to join him on the VCU Pathology faculty and both were instrumental in establishing the department's Division of Molecular Diagnostics. I had know Carl previously and both he, Dave, and I shared a common bond as each of us had the privilege and honor to have trained with Henry Pitot, Director of the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research and a renown Academic Pathologist and liver cancer researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1999, I proposed to Dave that we change the name of the Division of Experimental Pathology to the Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis and further to petition the University to formally recognize this newly named Division as an official component of the department. Dave not only supported this effort, but with his encouragement and influence was instrumental in making this a reality. For this, I continue to be extremely grateful for the opportunity to have served as Division Chair of Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis from 1999-2014. Dave also selected me in 2002 to represent the Department of Pathology in giving a Lecture in the Science Museum of Virginia Mini-Medical School Program and as an Invited Speaker to the Annual Meeting of the Association of Pathology Chairs held in 2008 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was a leader of incredible generosity and profoundly led VCU's Pathology into the modern era. I think I can speak of those like myself who got to know and work with him that he was not only a distinguished Chair of Pathology, but also someone who will be remembered as a nice guy. May he Rest in Peace

Larry Vetter

January 15, 2025

It was an honor to work at Dave´s side for 18 years. He was a giant in my life, and I will always be thankful for his support and friendship. Whenever life presents me with a challenge, I ask myself "what would Dave do in this situation?" The answer always guides me in the right direction. That is a gift that cannot be measured. He will be missed. Blessings to the Wilkinson family.

Randy Blanks

January 15, 2025

Tubby was a great friend and Brother Rat. He will be missed by all those lives ne touched thru the years.

Lewis Melton

January 15, 2025

What a remarkable life he led! I loved talking with him out at our softball games, and he always came across as such a kind, genuine, and loving man. He will certainly be missed, but never forgotten. I pray that the love and memories everyone shared with him will provide comfort and courage in the days ahead.

Dr Shawn E Holt

January 15, 2025

Dave was truly one-of-a-kind in the best possible way. I can think of so many memorable events...in his office, on the golf course, in meetings. I learned A LOT about how to be a leader from him, and I have used the skills he taught on many occasions. I am grateful to Dave for so many things, but most of all for his friendship. He will be deeply missed!

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