Individual Details

Death

NEWPORT NEWS - Charles Buckley 'Buck' Wilkins departed this life on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003. He was 78. Mr. Wilkins was a lifelong resident of Newport News, residing briefly in Waynesboro, Va., as a young man while attending Fishburne Military School. His high school career was interrupted by World War II during which he served in the United States Navy's Atlantic fleet. He returned from overseas in 1944 and graduated from Newport News High School soon after. He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Priddy Koch, in 1945. Mr. Wilkins was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to three grandchildren. His circle of friends grew large throughout the years and included many neighbors and coworkers. He worked for Suburban-Rulane Propane and was later employed by Newport News Shipbuilding for 37 years retiring in 1990. He leaves behind Beverly, his beloved wife of 58 years; a daughter, Beverly Lynn Duffy; a son, Kevin Buckley Wilkins and his wife, Lisa Furr Wilkins; and two grandsons, Ryan Buckley Wilkins 18, and Robbin Anderson Wilkins 11. He is also survived by five nieces, Myra Golden of Wolf Creek, Mont., Peggy Tienken and Bobbie Sweat, both of Richmond, Susie Roberts of Gibsonia, Pa., and Patty Arnold of Newport News; as well as many grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Herbert L. and Marguerite R. 'Totsy' Wilkins; two brothers, Walter L. Wilkins and William Wilkins; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. today at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Carl E. Mericle officiating. Burial to follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family requests that any memorial gifts in lieu of flowers take the form of contributions to individual favorite charities.
Published by Daily Press from Aug. 11 to Aug. 13, 2003