James Terrell Wilkey
James Terrell Wilkey died on Jan. 22, 2022, in Waco after a lengthy illness.
James was born on Jan. 24, 1932, in Falls County, to Julius Benjamin and Mattie Leah (Atkins) Wilkey. His father died when he was 10, leaving his mother with 7 children to raise. James began helping his family by working in the fields picking cotton and soon began a job at Manor Drugstore in Marlin working a few hours before school and returning after school to work until evening closing time.
After graduation from Marlin High School in 1949, he went to work for Barnes Adams at Adams Funeral Home and began his education in the funeral business, attending classes at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science by day, loading trucks at the Dallas 7-Up plant at night and returning to Marlin to work on his days off. Upon graduation, he became a licensed funeral director, working for Mr. Adams and later becoming a part-owner. He retired after 45 years in the business.
As if he wasn’t busy enough, he proudly served in the Texas National Guard, retiring in 1967 with the rank of Major after 20 years of service. He was a longtime member of the Marlin Masonic Lodge, past President of Marlin Lions Club, past President of Falls County Shrine Club, member of the Waco Scottish Rite and Karem Shrine Temple.
In 1955, he met and married Anna Lois Patterson of Abbott; together they raised their two children and enjoyed 66 years of marriage. He kept his large extended family connected with family gatherings, many at Lake Whitney or on the coast at Magnolia Beach. He was an incredible host and filled our family reunions with great food, sports, hilarity and love.
James was preceded in death by his parents; son, Terrell Lee Wilkey; siblings, Louise, Katherine, Wanda, Harold, Bobbie and Joe; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Wilkey; daughter, Lu Ann Wilkey; grandson, Ben Wilkey; many beloved nieces, nephews and great friends, including his best friend and sidekick Bill Nicholson (Sandy).
We will celebrate James’ life with a Memorial Service at First Baptist Church of Marlin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.
COVID safety protocols will be followed at the service; those attending should wear a mask and practice social distancing.