William Wilkins (4-9-16)

William Weldon Wilkins departed this life on Saturday, April 9, at the age of 87 years and 4 months. 
He was born in Adamsville on Dec. 9, 1928, the son of the late William McKinley and Jewel Vinson Wilkins.  He was united in marriage to Betty Gordon Price, May 1953.  Betty preceded him in death July 20, 2007. 
William served in the Navy for two years.  During his service he went to the South Pole with Admiral Byrd, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea. Once he left the Navy he enlisted in the National Guard and was enlisted for 30 years.  During his time with the National Guard he had worked for Midtown Gulf Station in Savannah, Brown Shoe Company in Savannah, Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois, and the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years.  He was a member of  First United Methodist Church, a Scottish Rite, and a member of the Shriner’s.
William loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing with his friends and loved any kind of ball, but especially UT and the Cardinals.
He is survived by  his son, James Richard “Dick” Wilkins; daughter-in-law, Diann Adkisson Wilkins; grandchildren, Heather Highland and her husband Jay and Jennifer Cromwell and her husband Josh; step grandchildren, Erin Lath and her husband Chad and Luke Pilkinton and his wife Christa; great-grandchildren, Keri Highland and Cooper Cromwell; step great-grandchildren, Laura Ann Pilkinton, Elijah Latch and Paul Robert Pilkinton.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Vinson Wilkins; and a sister, Durelle Wilkins Burton.