W C Wilkinson

William Carleton Wilkinson, Jr. was born on December 3, 1914 in St. Louis, Missouri, to William Carleton Wilkinson, Sr. and Annerta Marie Pourcellie Wilkinson. He passed away on November 28, 2014 just a few days before his 100th birthday. Carl was a Certified Public Accountant in both St. Louis, Missouri and then later in Dallas, Texas. He continued to have clients well into his senior years. He was recognized for being the oldest practicing CPA in the Dallas area. In 1973, Carl married the love of his life Sophie Theodora Turbyfill. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage. They went on many cruises and traveled to many places including Hawaii, Egypt, China, Italy and Israel. Some of their most memorable trips were to Paris, France and to Greece to visit Sophie’s relatives. They took square dancing lessons and found joy being each other’s soul mate. Sophie preceded Carl in death on February 24, 1998. Memories of his time spent with Sophie were always present in his heart. Carl was also preceded in death by his only sister Aurelia Wilkinson Irvin, his nephews Roger Finn Underwood and Timothy Carleton Underwood, Sr.

During World War II, Carl proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS J. Douglas Blackwood, DE-219. As a Quartermaster First Class, Carl performed duties as a navigator and flag semaphore signalman. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Area Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal. He was a true patriot who flew his American flag with pride.

Carl is survived by his daughter Jan Turbyfill and her children April Denton and husband Jonathan and Bonny Stephens. He is also survived by his son Stephen Turbyfill, Sr. and wife Karen and their children Jenee Dwyer and husband Dino, Stephen Turbyfill, Jr. and wife Meredith, Holly Sanders and husband Thor, Hope Turbyfill and Danene Birtell. Surviving great-grandchildren are Maleah Smith, Luke Denton, Sophia Denton, Brock Gowdy, Jessica Dwyer, Cody Dwyer, Troy Sanders, Liliana Sanders, Ella McNamara and Colton Turbyfill.

Carl is also survived by his niece Evelyn Anderson and husband Thomas, his nephew Gerald Lynn Irvin and his children Deanna Osment and Daniel Irvin and wife Hannah along with another nephew James Edwin Irvin and his wife Cindie and their children Jennifer Serna and husband Michael, Sarah Hicks and husband Trey, and Stephen Irvin.

Other family members who called Carl “Uncle Carl” are his sister’s daughter in laws Sherie Underwood and Judy Underwood Johnson and her husband Ben. His sister’s grandchildren, Timothy Carleton Underwood, Jr. and wife Heather, Tracey Pritchett, Laurie Slack and husband Rich, Amy Hart and husband Mark, Richard Underwood, Kristi Billings and husband Paul and the above relatives many children.

Services for Carl will be on Wednesday, December 3, his 100th birthday. A reciting of the rosary will take place at 10:00 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 950 Trails Parkway, in Garland, Texas followed by a celebration of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 3900 Rowlett Road, in Rowlett, Texas following the mass. The Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard will present Carl with a final military salute during the graveside service. Officiating priests for the rosary, the mass, and the graveside service are Father Joseph Mehan and Father Weinzapfel.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.