William "Bill" Bell Wilkins

William “Bill” Wilkins, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 17, 2018 at his residence after a brief illness. His funeral service will be held on Friday, December 21 at 12:00 noon at the Cockrell Funeral Home Chapel in Macon, MS. Visitation will begin one hour before the service. Interment will follow at Brooksville Cemetery in Brooksville, MS. Memorials are requested to the Donor’s favorite charity. Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon is entrusted with the service arrangements.

Mr. Bill was born on February 16, 1931 to the late Joseph Tyson Wilkins and Willie Hopkins Wilkins and had been a lifetime resident of the Brooksville area. He graduated from Brooksville High School and attended Mississippi State University. On April 23, 1950 he married his soul-mate, the former Peggie Gaskin, and together they made their home on the family land outside of the town of Brooksville. Mr. Bill began his working career with the Motor Vehicle Comptroller’s office as an L.P. Gas inspector. Later he established and operated the Noxubee Gas Service, an L.P. gas retailer, in Macon where he worked until his retirement. After his retirement, he became a meter-reader for 4 County Electrical Power Association and worked part-time as a rural mail carrier.

Mr. Bill was a land-owner (gentleman farmer) who leased his land out for farming. He was a longtime member of Independent Methodist Church in Macon. Mr. Bill never met a stranger, no matter where he traveled inside or outside the continental U.S. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a joke or story to share with his listeners. He never spoke an unkind word about anyone. He was a family man who was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Bill Wilkins, Sr. is survived by his wife of 68 years: Peggie, as well as by one daughter: Debbie Whitfield of Brooksville, MS. He is also survived by three sons: Bill Wilkins, Jr. and Darryl Wilkins, both of Brooksville and by Michael Wilkins of Iowa, LA. He also leaves to mourn his passing one brother: T.J. Wilkins of Brooksville as well as 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Joseph Tyson Wilkins, Jr. and three sisters: Sara Elizabeth Ellis, Louise Anderson, and Dot Fraley.