Eric Joseph Wilkinson
January 14, 1953 ~ September 8, 2018
ROCKY MOUNT - Eric Joseph Wilkinson, age 65, passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Born in Fort Wayne, IN on January 14, 1953, he was the son of Donn Mason Wilkinson and Elizabeth Ann Wilkinson of Fort Wayne, IN. He was preceded in death by his father, Donn; uncle, Joe Wilkinson and wife, Priscilla.
Eric graduated from Bishop Luers High School, Fort Wayne, IN in 1971. He earned his Bachelors Degree Manufacturing Engineering from Purdue University. Eric was a faithful member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Wilson. He was a Facilities Engineer with Cummins, Inc. in Whitakers for 15 years. Eric's hobbies included: traveling with his family, cooking "foodie", rock climbing with his son in CO, woodworking with his daughter, kayaking, making beer with son-in-law, helping daughter and son with their home projects, making guitars, bicycling, and camping. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.
Eric leaves behind to cherish his memory, high school sweetheart and wife of 43 years, Diane Marie Wilkinson; daughter, Erika Wilkinson Nunez and husband, Michael, of Fuquay-Varina; and son, Zachary Albert Wilkinson and wife, Lauren, Boulder, CO. He is also survived by grandchildren, Knox Nunez and Hazel Wilkinson; mother, Elizabeth Ann Wilkinson of Fort Wayne, IN; brothers, Mark Wilkinson and wife, Patricia, of Wolcottville, IN and Gary Wilkinson and wife, Kathleen, of Columbus, IN; uncles, Gene Wilkinson and wife, Kathy, of Fort Wayne, IN and Jac Wilkinson and wife, Phyllis, of Mineral Bluff, GA; and nieces, Megan Wilkinson and Katie Wilkinson.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 700 Nash Street, NE, Wilson, with Father Jeffery Bowker officiating. A private family committal will be held at a later date at Wake Chapel Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home with the Rosary Service at 5:30 PM prior to the Visitation.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Global Down Syndrome Foundation, 3239 E. 2nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80206 or www.globaldownsyndrome.org.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> |
Tuesday 9/18, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home with the Rosary Service at 5:30 PM prior to the Visitation.
Service
St. Therese Catholic Church
700 Nash Street, NE
Wilson, NC 27893
Wednesday 9/19, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 700 Nash Street, NE, Wilson, with Father Jeffery Bowker officiating.
Cemetery
Wake Chapel Memorial Gardens
905 Wake Chapel Road
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
A private family committal will be held at a later date at Wake Chapel Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
To Diane, Erika and Zach- Our deepest sympathies go out to you all- to Diane- Eric’s loving wife, and to his wonderful children, Erika and Zach, the best of Eric could be seen in each one of you- wife, son and daughter. It has been a difficult journey over the past two years for all who loved and cared about Eric. He was a wonderful brother to me, and brother-in-law to Kathy, and uncle and God Father to his niece, Katie. He was responsible for arranging the first date that Kathy and I went in; 38 years later we still thank him at every anniversary that we’ve shared. It is a comfort to know that after everything you all have gone through, that Eric’s love for you and your love for him, from and for all of us who knew him, will never die. His soul lives on. How blessed we all have been to have known and been a part of Eric’s life. Rest In Peace my brother, With much love, Gary and Kathleen Wilkinson
Eric was an amazing man. There was not a thing he wouldn’t try. His life with his family was always an adventure. A wonderful husband and father and grandfather. He will truly be missed
In memory of Eric Joseph Wilkinson, Donna burnside lit a candle
Our family wants to share our deepest condolences. I have always loved hearing about the things Erika did with her dad. He always had the kindest smile and I enjoyed talking to him whenever we saw him at her house. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Michelle and Chad Smith
I know your hearts are heavy currently but please accept my deepest sympathy. I wanted to share something with your family that was shared with me to help me copy with the loss of a loved one. This is it Never forget your loved one is in the memory of our Heavenly Father, the one who promises to restore life to our loved ones in the resurrection (John 528 & 29). This hope was made possible by the God of love who sent his son to die for us (John 316). The resurrection of our loved ones tells us a lot about God’s love and underserve kindness. What a joyous and delightful time it will be when the family and friends of Eric will welcome him back to life in the RESURRECTION. May the words of Hebrews 69-11 comfort all of Eric’s family and friends.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to Erika, Michael, Knox and extended family. I really enjoyed watching the family video and see that Eric lived a full life. I pray you will forever hold his loving memory in your hearts.