Edward James "Skip" Wilkinson Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward James “Skip” Wilkinson Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, favorite uncle and cherished friend. Skip passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 3rd. He was surrounded by loved ones.

Skip is survived by Joanne Wilkinson his wife of 31 years; children, Cindy (Kevin) Abel, Julie (Edward McCarthy) Wilkinson, Mary (Joe) Ianniello and Laura Wilkinson; stepdaughter, Amy Book; stepsons, David (Lisa) and Matt Book; grandchildren: Danielle, Juliana and Eric Abel, Melina and Bella Ianniello and Chester and Clayton Book; sister, Dorothy Novakowski. They will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Born on June 12, 1940, Skip was the son of Mary and Edward Wilkinson Sr., brother to Dorothy and Helen of blessed memory. Raised in Mansfield, Ohio, by high school Skip had won many scholastic awards and excelled in public speaking, putting his talents to work as a radio announcer. Upon graduation, Skip initially attended Marian college in Indiana until he received a prestigious appointment to the United States Naval Academy. There he trained as a midshipman, earned a B.S. in Engineering, and served in the Navy until he was honorably discharged in 1963. Skip went on to pursue a successful 26-year long career at Sears. When he left Sears, he was the president of Terminal Freight Handling. Skip then launched and led his own Human Resources company until he retired 15 years later.

Skip remained active in retirement working as a volunteer accountant at the Pickens County Fire Department and then at the local food bank. However, he was happiest when visiting with family and friends, singing the church choir and walking/hiking with his favorite dogs Buster and then Rocky.

Skip was devoted to his family and was known for many defining attributes especially his deep and distinct laugh, his humorous quips, and the kindness he showed to his first wife Judy. An avid and talented golfer, Skip, even well into his eighties, could kick the pants off his daughters at Top Golf.

A service to celebrate Skip’s life will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas in Alpharetta, GA on Tuesday, December 10th at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in his honor to Community Assistance Center food bank https://ourcac.org/donate-online/

Skip touched the lives of many, and his legacy of love, kindness, humor, and strength will live on through all who knew him.