- Date Of Birth: September 10, 1942
- Date Of Death: January 28, 2016
- State: Alabama
Ken Wilkinson passed away on January 28th, 2016 after an eighteen-month long battle with cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, at his home in Huntsville, AL. He was born September 10th, 1942 in Charleston, SC, to Otway and Cora Wilkinson. He moved to Huntsville as a young child with five siblings. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother Robert Wilkinson.
He is survived by his wife Pamela Wilkinson, his sons, Brandon Wilkinson and wife Alejandra, Bryan and Brent Parham, Greg Matthews and wife Michelle; daughters, Sandra Howe and Victoria Matthews; grandchildren, Isabella and Athziri Wilkinson, Alex and Rachael Matthews, Sarah and Jennifer Matthews, Christopher, Jason, and Angelina Parham, and Lucas Howe; and sisters, Barbara Corazzi, Diane Craig, Brenda Wilkinson, and Judy Parish.
Ken was a loyal husband, father, and grandfather who possessed an infectious personality capable of bringing a smile to any situation. He joined the Air Force in 1959 and served four years in the European theater as a jet engine mechanic. After his service, Ken became a fireman for the Atlanta Fire Department; attaining the rank of Chief for the Hartsfield International Airport Fire Station. A gifted craftsmen, he spent most of his career building and remodeling residential homes for the community until his retirement. After retirement, he enjoyed his favorite job of driving a school bus for the youngest children in Hampton Cove. He loved “his” kids.
Ken’s loyal dog and best friend, Spot Wilkinson, spent many hours together in his workshop, after sharing a nice bowl of cereal! His hands were gifted allowing him to excel at woodworking and stained glass. His work ethic and attention to detail showed in his products which are displayed throughout his family member’s homes. In addition to woodworking and stained glass, Ken loved to camp with his family and spent a great amount of time at Monte Sano State Park.
Ken was a man of character whose wisdom will endure through his family. He always preached that life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it.
