George Smith Wilkerson

George Smith Wilkerson, passed away on August 18, 2020, at 96 years of age due to complications from a fall. He dearly loved his church, Oak Grove United Methodist, camping, traveling, and woodworking.

George was born on April 23, 1924 on a farm in Kearney, Mo. He is predeceased by his parents, Bartlett Winn Wilkerson and Mary D. Smith Wilkerson. He graduated from Kearney High School in 1942. He was active in 4H Club and the Boy Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school he entered University of Missouri, Columbia on a Sears Roebuck Scholarship – was in ROTC and classified 1A – was encouraged to join Army Field Artillery, after completing one partial semester the Army called all ROTC to active duty. He was sent to Camp Campbell, KY in Battery C, 412 Armored Field Artillery, 20th Armored Div. He fought thru France, Belgium, Holland, Austria, and Germany. His division liberated Dachau (Concentration Camp). He was sergeant Chief of the gun section, M7 with a 105mm howitzer. While he was on 30 day furlough, headed for the invasion force of Japan, the Atom bomb was dropped and Japan surrendered. That saved his life. He returned to University of Missouri on the GI bill to complete his degree in Agricultural Engineering. After graduation from University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree, he married Mary Catherine Brown on Feb 20, 1949. He worked for Ford Motor Co, Tractor and Implement Div. for over 37 years before retiring in1986. George was a long time member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church participating in the annual BBQ event for many years, also serving as a Deacon, ushering and assisting on a number of building committees during construction of new facilities. He was Troop Leader for Boy Scout troop 77 for a number of years. George was an avid camper belonging to the Holiday Ramblers (40yrs), Good Sam’s and National Camping Methodists.

George is survived by his children, David, Paul, and Catherine. His first wife Mary Catherine Brown Wilkerson passed away in October 1980. He married Mary Louise Johnson Matson on March 1990. She passed away May, 1996. He is survived by the third love of this life, Nancy Rogers for the last 20 years. David married April Cook. They have two children. Emily and Jacob. Cathey married Mark Roseveare. They have two daughters Marcy and Brooke. He is also survived by his brother, William (Billy) Albert Wilkerson and sister Mildred June Wilkerson Neth, many nephews, nieces, and great nephews and great nieces.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a private graveside service will be held at Floral Hill’s Cemetery, Tucker GA on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

Arrangements are being handled by Flora Hills Funeral Home, Tucker GA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Missions.