Geoffrey, better known as “Jeff” by many, was born on New Year’s Eve, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Sydney W. Wilkes and Dorothy D. Parker. He will always be remembered as a loving and wonderful husband, Dad, Paw Paw, friend, and colleague. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force in which he served four years, after attending Auburn University. His passion was anything to do with flying through the clouds and especially World War II warplanes. He never missed going to The National Championship Air races every September in Reno for the past 18 years except 2001 when they were canceled because of 9/11. His favorite category was the “bad boys of racing”, the Unlimited Class. His favorite plane to cheer on was Voodoo, a highly modified P-51D Mustang which was loud and fast, breaking the record this year at 550 MPH. Jeff enjoyed a long career in the copier business spanning over 50 years with 3M Company, Lanier Company, and Konica Minolta. Lanier Company brought him to Fort Worth where he set up and opened the first Lanier office in 1983. He finally retired in February 2016 at the age of 75.
Geoffrey is survived by his wife of over 50 years Shirley (Bunnie) Ann Wilkes of Southlake, his daughter Brandie Wilkes and her three children Amber Shayne, Anna Marie, and Aidan Parker of Keller, son Geoffrey P. Wilkes Jr. and his son Colin, son Gregory Wilkes and daughter Laurie Newcomb, and sister Dottie Swift of Attleboro, Massachusetts, along with several other nieces, nephews, and relatives and his sweet fur babies, Sir & Yum Yum.
Geoffrey is predeceased by his parents Sydney and Dorothy Wilkes, step-mother Mary Wilkes, sister Cindy Wilkes and brother John Wilkes.
A Celebration of his life will be held on January 26, 2018, ay 1:00pm at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, with a reception to follow in Evans Hall at White’s Chapel.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org, www.habitatforhorses.org or the charity of your choice.
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