Celebrating the life of
Donald R. Wilkins
Passed away on April 15, 2012
Donald Robert Wilkins, MSG USA Ret., 65, died Sunday, April 15, 2012 under the care of Hospice Savannah, Inc. and family following a courageous battle with lung cancer.
He was born in Savannah, Georgia, son of the late Rexcene and Bob Williams and step-father, Wayne W. Wilkins. Don served in the United States Army for 22 years, stationed in Germany, and the Republic of Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and was decorated with the Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with five oak clusters, Army Achievement, Vietnam Service Medal with Service Bronze Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Purple Heart. During his military career, he received a liberal arts degree from the University of Maryland.
On March 1, 1968, he was united in marriage to Heidi Shiedemann celebrating 44 happy years together.
Ret. MSG Donald R. Wilkins retired from the Army in 1986 and began to work with the Chatham County Board of Education for 20 years as JROTC Instructor at A.E. Beach High School. He also coached the JROTC Rifle Team and was selected as Who's Who among American Teachers in 1991 and recognized as a STAR teacher by one of his many students. Don retired from the Chatham County School Board and enjoyed his retirement proudly working alongside his son – Adam Wilkins, his wife Heidi, and daughter-in-law Ginger at Oglethorpe Tours showing many visitors his beautiful hometown of Savannah, Georgia.
Surviving are his wife, Heidi, three sons and their wives, Michael and Kathee Wilkins; grandchildren Zachary Michael and Ethan Alexander. Adam and Ginger Wilkins; grandchildren Olivia Marie and Harrison Robert. Kevin and Sherri Wilkins; grandchild Katelyn Ashley and step-grandchildren Christian, Grayson and Faith Hubbard all of Savannah, Georgia and other relatives.
Don will always be remembered for his proud service and love for his country, his family, and all his many blessing throughout his life.
"Lead by example and know what is right and be right"
"I am an American fighting soldier and serve in the forces that guard my country and its way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense"
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in the Islands Chapel of Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to Hospice Savannah, Inc. and the Veterans Hospice Program of Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
I can remember as a young girl,my brother Donnie had just came home from leave from the Army,There had been a boy always throwing rocks & calling me names as I would walk home from school,One day my brother was standing outside in the driveway,he saw the boy & he heard him calling me names,Donnie took off like a shot running after the boy,& I never had another problem with him,I loved my Brother he was my super hero,I will carry him in my heart always.Rest in peace my Brother I Love you!
- Marjorie Wilkins,Ott, Gallatin, TN
My heart is heavy,I lost the only brother I had,I never knew he was sick,I loved him,he was a great man loved by many —Esther M. Wilkins,Ott, Gallatin, TN
- Esther M. Wilkins,Ott, Gallatin, TN
It was a honor to meet MSgt Wilkins. I just found out today 13 Nov 2012. My heart and prayers are with you and your family always. God Bless you MSgt Wilkins for all of the lives you have touched throughout the years. You will live forever in our hearts.
- Mr. Jack Maxwell, Lithonia, GA
Miss you dad.
- Mike, Savannah, GA
Rest in peace Screaming Eagle....I'll take the squad from here.
- Mike Wilkins, Savannah, GA
We will miss you. You were my ROTC instructor also known as Super Cracker lol. You are in a much better place
- Stefanie Takenaka, savannah, GA
Wilkins, you and Heidi were my best friends ever and you are going to be deeply missed. I will never forget the times we all had when we were in Germany and when we lived in Statesboro. I will cherish those memories forever. Rest in peace my dear friend!!!
- Ann Jett, Clarksville, TN
Rest in Peace Don/Dad #2. So blessed to have had you for my father-n-law. 'If ever a man had it all, it was most definately you' We will take good care of 'Your Heidi' for you. You did good Don, you fought a good fight. You touched so many lives in so many ways. Love and will miss you always, 'Gingerbread':-
- Ginger Wilkins, Savannah, GA
May God be with your family
- RANDY MCCURRY, SAVANNAH, GA
May the Lord comfort your heart and your family. Remember all of the good times that you shared together and the great wisdom that he passed on to you.
- Maurice F. Collins, Savannah, GA
Captain Wilkins Mike...I know that this loss is so very difficult for you. The praises being sung by those who knew your Father well speaks for the man he was; a true giver in every sense of the word. At a time when grief weighs heavy in our hearts, taking comfort in knowing the joy and dedication a Loved One gave to this earth is so important. You can take great comfort in knowing how many lives he touched during his time here with us; his life on earth was a blessing to so many. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. I know he will be missed, but will forever be remembered by anyone who ever met him.
- Margaret Boyer, Savannah, GA
Captain Mike Wilkins...the Detectives at the SCMPD Homicide Division/Domestic Violence would like to offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your Father.
- SCMPD Homicide Unit, Savannah, GA
I served as Principal of Beach High School between 2001 and 2006. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of MSG Wilkins. I just found out about him this morning. Please know that my prayers are with you during these very challenging times. He was a true gentleman and was always very kind to me. He was excellence with the students.
- Roy Davenport, Savannah, GA
Don was a good friend and we will truely miss him.
- Ed and Mike at Wilmington Island Automotive, Savannah, GA
Im sorry about your lost he was a wonderful teacher in RTOC. We going to miss him sooooo much..he might be gone but he will never be forgotten.!!!! r.i.p SGT.WIKINS!!
- Renita Bouyer, , GA
Sgt Wilkins was a great JROTC instructor. I will never forget all the trouble he managed to keep me out of with Sgt Major Tipton. R I P Sgt Wilkins you will be truely missed.
- Minktoy Nikele Mitchell, Savannah, GA
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
- Dave and Barb Grotyohann, Savannah, GA
I send my Condolence and prayers out to the Wilkins Family and Friends.
- Demetrius Blue, Savannah, GA
I lost my brother in Jan. I feel your pain.
- ROGER KNORR, RINCON, GA
Dearest Wilkins family - you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Sending much love and strength your way - All our Love - Andy, Lisa, Wayne, Allison and Andrew Pinckney
- Lisa Pinckney, Rock Hill, SC
Mr. Wilkins will be missed so much here at BB&T. Adam we love you dearly and we're so so so sorry that this happened to such an incredible person! We'll be thinking of you, and keeping you and your family in our prayers. -Mandy and Amber at Johnson Square.
- Amber Kimbrel, Savannah, GA
Big Don!
- Michael Huguley, Milledgeville, GA
Mike- So sorry to hear about your Dad. Know that I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
- Tina Brooks, Milledgeville, GA
We worked together and had great times. We met in 1971 and have been good friends for so long. Our families would be together and have the best of times. There will never be another friend like you. You will always be in our memories.May you rest in peace. Melvin, Sylvia & Family.
- Melvin & Sylvia Holton, San Antonio, TX
I pray for peace and comfort for the family. Sgt. Wilkins touched many lives and will be greatly missed! A.E.Beach High C/O 1994!
- Michelle Richardson, Savannah, GA
MSG, you will be dearly missed. You touched my family and always set a great example. Leading from the front and accepting nothing less than success. Blessings and peace to the Wilkins family.
- MAJ Tavares Tukes, Savannah, GA
Our prayers are with the Wilkins family. MSG Wilkins touched so many lives is a special way. He will always be in our hearts. God Bless his family. Beach High School JROTC, SFC James Shaw & family.
- SFC James Shaw, Savannah, GA
May it comfort you to know that we the Students at A.E.Beach c/o 94 were so very sorry to hear of your loss and have you in our thoughts, today and in the days to come. Don Wilkins touched the lives of so many and he will be missed but never forgotten.
- Tanya Forsythe Bing, Savannah, GA
Mike, Kathee, Zach and Ethan - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing we can say that will ease your pain but know we are thinking of you. Our deepest condolences. Wes, Jen and Evan Canady
- Jennifer Canady, Wilmington Island, GA
I can remember as a young girl,my brother Donnie had just came home from leave from the Army,There had been a boy always throwing rocks & calling me names as I would walk home from school,One day my brother was standing outside in the driveway,he saw the boy & he heard him calling me names,Donnie took off like a shot running after the boy,& I never had another problem with him,I loved my Brother he was my super hero,I will carry him in my heart always.Rest in peace my Brother I Love you!
- Marjorie Wilkins,Ott, Gallatin, TN
My heart is heavy,I lost the only brother I had,I never knew he was sick,I loved him,he was a great man loved by many —Esther M. Wilkins,Ott, Gallatin, TN
- Esther M. Wilkins,Ott, Gallatin, TN
It was a honor to meet MSgt Wilkins. I just found out today 13 Nov 2012. My heart and prayers are with you and your family always. God Bless you MSgt Wilkins for all of the lives you have touched throughout the years. You will live forever in our hearts.
- Mr. Jack Maxwell, Lithonia, GA
Miss you dad.
- Mike, Savannah, GA
Rest in peace Screaming Eagle....I'll take the squad from here.
- Mike Wilkins, Savannah, GA
We will miss you. You were my ROTC instructor also known as Super Cracker lol. You are in a much better place
- Stefanie Takenaka, savannah, GA
Wilkins, you and Heidi were my best friends ever and you are going to be deeply missed. I will never forget the times we all had when we were in Germany and when we lived in Statesboro. I will cherish those memories forever. Rest in peace my dear friend!!!
- Ann Jett, Clarksville, TN
Rest in Peace Don/Dad #2. So blessed to have had you for my father-n-law. 'If ever a man had it all, it was most definately you' We will take good care of 'Your Heidi' for you. You did good Don, you fought a good fight. You touched so many lives in so many ways. Love and will miss you always, 'Gingerbread':-
- Ginger Wilkins, Savannah, GA
May God be with your family
- RANDY MCCURRY, SAVANNAH, GA
May the Lord comfort your heart and your family. Remember all of the good times that you shared together and the great wisdom that he passed on to you.
- Maurice F. Collins, Savannah, GA
Captain Wilkins Mike...I know that this loss is so very difficult for you. The praises being sung by those who knew your Father well speaks for the man he was; a true giver in every sense of the word. At a time when grief weighs heavy in our hearts, taking comfort in knowing the joy and dedication a Loved One gave to this earth is so important. You can take great comfort in knowing how many lives he touched during his time here with us; his life on earth was a blessing to so many. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. I know he will be missed, but will forever be remembered by anyone who ever met him.
- Margaret Boyer, Savannah, GA
Captain Mike Wilkins...the Detectives at the SCMPD Homicide Division/Domestic Violence would like to offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your Father.
- SCMPD Homicide Unit, Savannah, GA
I served as Principal of Beach High School between 2001 and 2006. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of MSG Wilkins. I just found out about him this morning. Please know that my prayers are with you during these very challenging times. He was a true gentleman and was always very kind to me. He was excellence with the students.
- Roy Davenport, Savannah, GA
Don was a good friend and we will truely miss him.
- Ed and Mike at Wilmington Island Automotive, Savannah, GA
Im sorry about your lost he was a wonderful teacher in RTOC. We going to miss him sooooo much..he might be gone but he will never be forgotten.!!!! r.i.p SGT.WIKINS!!
- Renita Bouyer, , GA
Sgt Wilkins was a great JROTC instructor. I will never forget all the trouble he managed to keep me out of with Sgt Major Tipton. R I P Sgt Wilkins you will be truely missed.
- Minktoy Nikele Mitchell, Savannah, GA
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
- Dave and Barb Grotyohann, Savannah, GA
I send my Condolence and prayers out to the Wilkins Family and Friends.
- Demetrius Blue, Savannah, GA
I lost my brother in Jan. I feel your pain.
- ROGER KNORR, RINCON, GA
Dearest Wilkins family - you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Sending much love and strength your way - All our Love - Andy, Lisa, Wayne, Allison and Andrew Pinckney
- Lisa Pinckney, Rock Hill, SC
Mr. Wilkins will be missed so much here at BB&T. Adam we love you dearly and we're so so so sorry that this happened to such an incredible person! We'll be thinking of you, and keeping you and your family in our prayers. -Mandy and Amber at Johnson Square.
- Amber Kimbrel, Savannah, GA
Big Don!
- Michael Huguley, Milledgeville, GA
Mike- So sorry to hear about your Dad. Know that I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
- Tina Brooks, Milledgeville, GA
We worked together and had great times. We met in 1971 and have been good friends for so long. Our families would be together and have the best of times. There will never be another friend like you. You will always be in our memories.May you rest in peace. Melvin, Sylvia & Family.
- Melvin & Sylvia Holton, San Antonio, TX
I pray for peace and comfort for the family. Sgt. Wilkins touched many lives and will be greatly missed! A.E.Beach High C/O 1994!
- Michelle Richardson, Savannah, GA
MSG, you will be dearly missed. You touched my family and always set a great example. Leading from the front and accepting nothing less than success. Blessings and peace to the Wilkins family.
- MAJ Tavares Tukes, Savannah, GA
Our prayers are with the Wilkins family. MSG Wilkins touched so many lives is a special way. He will always be in our hearts. God Bless his family. Beach High School JROTC, SFC James Shaw & family.
- SFC James Shaw, Savannah, GA
May it comfort you to know that we the Students at A.E.Beach c/o 94 were so very sorry to hear of your loss and have you in our thoughts, today and in the days to come. Don Wilkins touched the lives of so many and he will be missed but never forgotten.
- Tanya Forsythe Bing, Savannah, GA
Mike, Kathee, Zach and Ethan - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing we can say that will ease your pain but know we are thinking of you. Our deepest condolences. Wes, Jen and Evan Canady
- Jennifer Canady, Wilmington Island, GA
I just wanted to say what an amazing person he was. At one point in my life, it felt like he was the only one that cared. I wish I had followed his advice much more often. Anyone that knew him was a lucky person. My heart goes out to his family.
- Leah Alexander (Howard), Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
