Opal J.D. Wilkerson (6-25-12) service 6-28-12

Opal J.D. Wilkerson was born Nov. 6, 1914, in McNairy County, the son of the late Jeff and Pairlee Smallwood Wilkerson.

Mr. Wilkerson was a farmer and retired livestock dealer. He traded in cattle for 70 plus years, raised hogs and sold watermelons for many years. Mr. Wilkerson was very active in the McNairy County Republican Committee for many years and he was also a member of the ASCS. He was a long time member of Clear Creek Baptist Church of Lawton and was a current member of the First Baptist Church of Adamsville.

Mr. Wilkerson departed this life on Monday, June 25, in Adamsville, at the age of 97 years, 7 months, 19 days.

He is survived by his wife Linda Pyron Wilkerson of Adamsville; a stepson, Tim Surratt and wife Wendy of Stantonville, Tenn.; two stepdaughters, Kristie Smalley and husband Jon of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and Mellanie Surratt of Stantonville, Tenn.; five step-grandchildren, Tori Beth Surratt, Sarah Smalley, Hannah Smalley, Matthew Smalley and Andrew Smalley and wife Julia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Finger Wilkerson; four brothers, Hayes, Clifford, Rastus and John Q. Wilkerson; and an infant sister.

Visitation will be on Thursday at 1 p.m. until service time. Services will be held on Thursday, June 28, at 4 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Adamsville with Charles Pruneau, Phil Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the Adamsville Cemetery at Adamsville.