John D. Wilkinson

John "Johnny" Davis Wilkinson, Sr., 83, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Slidell Memorial Hospital. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years and the love of his life, Shirley (Wallace) Wilkinson; his siblings, Glen Wilkinson, Margie Spillman, Joyce Leteff, Norma Long, and Don Wilkinson; his daughter, Melanie Wilkinson; his son, John Wilkinson Jr. and his wife Grace Wilkinson; five grandchildren, Jill (Braddy) Anderson, Heidi Braddy, Devin McDonald, Caleb Wilkinson, and Stephanie Wilkinson; five great grandchildren; and many friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Adrian Wilkinson and Mildred Price.

Born and raised in Liberty, Mississippi to A.J. Wilkinson Jr. and Charity (Brantley) Wilkinson, he was a longtime resident of Picayune, MS.

After serving briefly in the Air Force, Mr. Wilkinson moved to New Orleans, LA and began working for Kaiser Aluminum in Chalmette, LA and retired after 25 years as an overhead crane operator. He also owned and operated a successful tractor business in the Pearl River County area for over 35 years.

Johnny was a very hard-working man who loved his family deeply. His children and grandchildren remember him as being generous, supportive, and protective. He enjoyed horseback riding, playing/coaching/watching sports, hunting, making people laugh, dancing, and helping family, friends, and neighbors.

A funeral service was held November 30 at Picayune Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Gardens in Picayune. The service was officiated by Reverend Gary Killen.