Dr. Wilkinson

Lake Junaluska, Dr. Larry Dale Wilkinson, 71, passed away peacefully at Haywood Regional Medical Center on February 4, 2008 surrounded by his family and many dear friends. Dr. Wilkinson was born on September 27, 1936 in Charlotte, NC, son of the late Paul and Edna Wilkinson and predeceased by his brother Ivan Eugene Wilkinson. He was the loving husband of and survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann Gillis Wilkinson. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and grandchildren: son, Eric Wilkinson, daughter-in-law Missy and grand children Kyle and Sydney Wilkinson of Lincolnton, NC; daughter, Cindy Huskey, son in law Greg and grandchildren Brent and Laura Ann Huskey of Hendersonville, NC; daughter, Dale Ann Plyler, son-in-law, Davey, and grandchildren, Anna and Gracie Plyler of Monroe, NC. Dr. Wilkinson was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle to his family who will miss him dearly. He was the foundation of his family who he taught to laugh with and love each other, take care of each other, and be strong for each other, all of which he did for them every day of his life. He was a blessing to so many people to whom he ministered and counseled. He was a friend and mentor to countless United Methodist Ministers. Dr. Wilkinson graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from High Point College, a Masters of Divinity from Duke University, a Masters of Education from Wake Forest University and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Dr. Wilkinson was a United Methodist minister for 46 years. He served the following appointments Wade Charge in Wadesboro, NC; Oakdale United Methodist Church in Jamestown, NC; Woodmont United Methodist Church in Reidsville, NC; First United Methodist Church in Valdese, NC; Maple Springs United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, NC; Christ United Methodist Church in High Point, NC; First United Methodist Church in Waynesville, NC; District Superintendent of the North Wilkesboro District of the United Methodist Church; District Superintendent of the Marion District of the United Methodist Church; Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC; District Superintendent of the Gastonia District of the United Methodist Church; First United Methodist Church in Gastonia, NC; District Superintendent of the Waynesville District of the United Methodist Church; he retired in 2001 and worked for Church Funding Associates as a Capital Campaign Director for many churches across the Western North Carolina Conference both before and after he retired. The family extends their thanks and gratitude to the nurses and staff in the Intensive Care Unit at Haywood Regional Medical Center who so lovingly cared for Dr. Wilkinson during his long illness. Also thanks to his doctor, John Lafata who cared for him during this time. A Service to Celebrate Dr. Wilkinson's life will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville, NC on Thursday February 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. conducted by the pastor, Dr. W. Lyn Sorrells, and Bishop Lawrence McCleskey, Dr. Mike Leatherwood, Dr. Ernest Porter, Dr. Al Ward, and Bishop Charlene Cammerer. The family will receive family and friends after the service in the Christian Growth Center at the Church. A graveside service, conducted by Bishop McCleskey, Dr. Bill Osborne, Dr. Jim Trollinger and Dr. Mike Leatherwood, will be held at Forest Lawn West in Charlotte, NC on Friday February 8, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Wilkinson, Bryan Wilkinson, Greg Huskey, David Plyler, Darin Gillis, and Marc Gillis. Memorials can be made to the Choir Fund at First United Methodist Church, 566 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 or The Haiti Mission, c/o Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

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