John “Johnny” Davis Wilkinson

November 27, 2018

John “Johnny” Davis Wilkinson, Sr., 83, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2018. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, the love of his life, Shirley (Wallace) Wilkinson; his siblings, Glenn Wilkinson of Liberty, MS, Margie Spillman of Baton Rouge, LA, Joyce Leteff of Denham Springs, LA, Norma Long of Baton Rouge, LA, and Don Wilkinson of Liberty, MS; his daughter, Sheri Wilkinson of Picayune, MS; his daughter, Melanie Wilkinson of Picayune, MS; his son, John Wilkinson Jr. (wife Grace Wilkinson) of Franklin, TN; five grandchildren, Jill (Braddy) Anderson, Heidi W. Braddy, Devin McDonald, Caleb Wilkinson, and Stephanie Wilkinson; five great grandchildren, Tristan Anderson, Damon Anderson, Daisy Anderson, Jeremy “Bleu” Jenkins, Jr., Isaiah Jenkins and many neices, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Adrian Wilkinson and Mildred Price.

Born and raised in Liberty, Mississippi to A.J. Wilkinson Jr. and Charity (Brantley) Wilkinson, he was a longtime resident of Picayune, MS.

After serving briefly in the Air Force, Mr. Wilkinson moved to New Orleans, LA and began working for Kaiser Aluminum in Chalmette, LA and retired after 25 years as an overhead crane operator. He also owned and operated a successful tractor business in the Pearl River County area. He spread the dirt and topsoil for the majority of the new homes built over the past 35 years in Pearl River and Hancock counties and bush hogged many lots, acres and fields. He was often said to be “The best tractor man in the county and could work miracles with the bionic blade”.

Johnny was a very hard-working man who loved his family deeply. His children and grandchildren remember him as being generous, supportive, and protective. He enjoyed horseback riding, playing/coaching/watching sports, hunting, making people laugh, dancing, and helping family, friends, and neighbors.

A private funeral service was held November 30 at Picayune Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Gardens in Picayune. The service was officiated by Reverend Gary Killen.