FRANKLIN- Willie Lee “Wickie” Wilkerson, 81, passed away surrounded by his family on December 21, 2013. Born in Mecklenburg County, VA, he was a son of the late Richard Benjamin and Elva Smith Wilkerson. Wickie proudly served in the Navy during the Korean conflict and was retired from Estes Express Lines where he worked in sales. He was an honorary member of the Delaware Hunt Club, Franklin VFW and the American Legion. Wickie was predeceased by a son, Michael Raye Wilkerson.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Barbara W. Nixon and her husband, Charles, of Sebrell; a son, Mark Wilkerson and his wife, Yvonne, of Suffolk and granddaughters, Bailey and Shea; a special son, Lee Leggett and his wife, Amanda, and son, Mason, of Franklin; a brother, Jimmy Wilkerson and his wife, Virginia, of Chase City ; special caregivers, Wanda Story, Diamonde Rogers and Sara Stephenson and Mike’s family, Darlene, Brandi, Caitlin and Sophia.

The funeral will be held at 11 AM Friday, December 27, 2013 in Wright Funeral Home. Burial, with Naval honors, will follow at 3 PM at Woodland Cemetery, Chase City. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-7:30 PM at the funeral home. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.