Dr. Charles Eldon Wilkinson's Obituary
Charles Eldon Wilkinson went to be with the Lord January 6, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 88 years of age. Charlie was born in Moorehead, Mississippi May 21, 1934. He was raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi by his parents Clarence and Rowena Wilkinson who preceded him in death. He had loving siblings, Clarence Wilkinson, who preceded him in death and Peggy Wilkinson Ward of Clinton, Mississippi.
Charlie was President of the student body at Yazoo City Highschool, where he was voted, “Mr. Yazoo City High”. After playing basketball, football, and tennis in college, he attended Dental School at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry where he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He then earned a Master of Science after completing a residency in Pediatric Dentistry. He became one of the first Pediatric Dentists in the country.
The medical unit is where he met his bride, Jo Anne Webb. They were married for 67 years. They had three sons, Charles E Wilkinson, Jr. (Vickie), Bradley W. Wilkinson (Julia Beth) and Gregory T. Wilkinson (Cissy). He leaves behind many grandchildren, Rucker, Townes and Elle Wilkinson, Lauren, Alex and Molly, Crews Wilkinson and Danny Wilkinson. He also had 3 great grandchildren, Skylar and Jace Smith and Presley Porter.
Charlie was a leader in many ways. He founded and endowed a scholarship fund for incoming freshman at Delta State University. He named it after his parents, “The Clarence & Rowena Wilkinson Scholarship Fund.” It remains to this day. He and his bride were lifelong members of Christ United Methodist Church. Charlie was President of the Kingswood Sunday School Class and fulfilled many rolls of service and leadership at the church. He was chairperson of Christ Methodist Day School for many years. He was also a leader in his profession of Pediatric Dentistry. Charlie was President of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and long serving President of the University of Tennessee Pediatric Dental Alumni Association. He helped found the annual University of Tennessee Pediatric Dental Alumni Association meeting. He brought in and hosted speakers from all over the world. For decades, Charlie administered the licensure exam for Pediatric Dentists in the State of Tennessee.
Our Family would like to thank Elnoria Cole for her loving loyalty and faithfulness in caring for both Charlie and Jo Anne. Friends and family are cordially invited to gather with the family, Friday, January 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church with service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilson Chapel. Donations may be made to the Church Health Center.
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