10/23/1933-11/06/2022
Rex Carlton Wilkinson, age 89, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 6, 2022, under the watchful care of Columbus Hospice. The family will welcome guest for visitation, Friday, November 11, 2022, at 3:00 pm EST with Funeral Service to follow at 4:00 pm in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, Georgia with Father Tommy Dwyer officiating. A Committal Service with Military Honors is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 9:30 am EST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 Hwy 165 Fort Mitchell, Alabama.
Rex was born in Fortson GA to Andrew J. and Sula Mae Williams Wilkinson. He grew up in rural Georgia with six siblings during the depression. Rex was hard working and gifted. He attended Mercer University through his junior year leaving to join the US Air Force and was proud to serve his country. After his service, Rex finished his studies at Columbus College to be the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He was employed by Tom Houston Peanut Company, Columbus Iron Works, and retired from St. Joe Paper Company in Port St. Joe, Florida as a mechanical designer. Rex continued to work and live with his wife and family in Florida using his talent as a Drafter. He was self-taught in computer skills including AutoCAD. Rex designed his last home at the age of 85. He took great pleasure in designing and working on several boat projects. Rex spent many hours designing and building Soap Box Derby Cars for four of his children to race. He and Mary also enjoyed many trips sailing in the Gulf of Mexico. Reading was one of greatest pleasures as well as spending time with his many pets. He was a member and served on the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Church in Port St. Joe Florida and a member of the Port St. Joe Lions Club. He made many friends throughout his life and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed.
Rex is preceded by his parents; Andrew and Sula; his siblings, Emory, Frank, Eunice, Marguerite, Vernon, and Jack and son Elvin Montney.
He is survived by; his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Bell Wiggins Wilkinson; children, Arleta (Yves)Montney Hamel, Stan Montney, Delores (Reinhard)Windolf, Carlton (Renee)Wilkinson, and Andy (Tonya) Wilkinson: grandchildren, Scott, Lisa, Shelby, Sabrina, Jennifer, Leslie, Laurie, Brandon, Amber, Ashby, Nicole, Carly, Megan, Trey, Andrew and Alyssa; many great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren: nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. He is also survived by brother-in-law Eddie (Sharon) Wiggins.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Wilkinson may be given to the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society which he helped to design at sjbhumanesociety.org, 1007 10th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456.
