Walton Eugene "Gene" Wilkes

Mr. Walton Eugene “Gene” Wilkes, 88, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021, at his residence following a brief illness.

Mr. Wilkes was born April 12, 1933, in Swainsboro to the late William McKinley Wilkes and Lora Strange Wilkes. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shelba Jean Page Wilkes; son, Michael E. Wilkes, Sr.; brothers, Rewell Wilkes, Larry Wilkes, Grady Wilkes, Charles Wilkes; sisters, Nyla Fennell, Hazel McNutt, Nellie Blalock. Mr. Wilkes wore many hats: serving in the United States Navy, where he became a veteran of the Korean Conflict; a fabric cutter at Swainsboro Sportswear, where he met the love of his life, Shelba Jean Page, whom he married on May 29, 1959; the manager of Swainsboro Sportshop; a security guard at Emanuel County Medical Center. He did all this before deciding on a career with the Georgia State Patrol, where he began as a radio operator and moved his way into licensing examiner until his retirement in 1996. After retirement, Mr. Wilkes stayed busy working part-time with Perry’s Auto Auction and as a driver for Daniels Chevrolet. He was an avid hunter and fisherman all his life, he also loved motorcycles and fast cars. Mr. Wilkes was a man of God and a family man above all else. He loved the Lord and never missed an opportunity to tell others about salvation through Jesus Christ. Mr. Wilkes was a member of Masonic Lodge #244, joining in 1979, going on to earn the honor of serving as Worshipful Master twice, and was granted Emeritus Status in 2018 as a 32nd degree Mason. He joined The Gideons International in 1999. Mr. Wilkes was always ready to make himself available for speaking engagements and loved sharing his faith and providing others with God’s word. He has been ready to go home to Heaven since the day his bride left this world in 2018, spending the last three years of his life enjoying and being doted on by his family. After goodnight hugs, kisses, and “I love you’s” from his daughters, Mr. Wilkes went to sleep peacefully in his bed at home and woke up to his Lord and Savior welcoming him home.

Survivors include his daughters, Tracy Wilkes Hackle of Swainsboro, Dana (Dave) Wright of Summertown; grandchildren, Adam Hackle, Jesse Hackle, Christian (Kalie) Hackle, Nathan Hackle, Michael E. Wilkes, II, Shaina (Daryl) Edwards, Kaitlyn Wright, Leanne Wright, Abby Wright; great-grandchildren, Ethan Hackle, Evie Hackle, Eli Hackle, Summer Hackle, Shelby Edwards, Isaac Edwards, Aiden Wright, Samuel Sapp; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Mt. Shady Baptist Church with Reverend Earl Warnock and Mr. Dave Wright officiating.

Interment with Masonic Rites will follow in the Mt. Shady Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Wilkes’ grandsons.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the brothers of Masonic Lodge #244, members of The Gideon International, and officers in the GSP Post #19.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 365, Swainsboro, Georgia, 30401, in memory of Mr. Walton Eugene "Gene" Wilkes.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Walton Eugene “Gene” Wilkes, 88, of Swainsboro.

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