Due to Covid-19, on Saturday, October 24, 2020, Thomas Perry Wilkerson of Western Grove, Arkansas was called home to be with the Lord.

He was born on December 22, 1940, in Clay, Arkansas (White County) to Bruce Naylor and Rita Elmyra (Hays) Wilkerson.

He was raised in a poor, hardworking, Christian family.  They picked cotton and strawberries, and worked at anything to make a nickel.

After graduating high school in 1959 at the age of 18, he borrowed $20 from his mother (a debt his father wouldn't let him forget) and hitchhiked from Wilburn, Arkansas, to Little Rock.  Once there, an employment agency put him to work in a dental lab.  Through the years, he became a Certified Dental Technician, was a member of the National Association of Dental Laboratories, and served one term as the President of the Arkansas Dental Lab Association. For over 60 years, he used his God-given talent to brighten the smiles of others.

May 8, 1960, was a date of great importance to him.  His first date with Dona Reeta Baker.  On December 31, 1960, he made the love of his life, his wife.  To this blessed union they added 2 daughters; Lynn Chandler (Don) and Lisa Smith (Shawn); 2 grandchildren, Shannon Jordan (Tim) and Dustin Hefner; and their most fabulous great grands, Noah, Kaiden and Alyia Jordan and Ella Hefner.  All of whom survive him.

As much as he loved his family, he loved Jesus the most.  Having given his life to Christ at the age of 15 in a revival at Mount Olive Church of God, he served the Lord with gladness and joy until he was called home. More than anything, he would want everyone he knew or came in contact with to have that same personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

June 30, 1974, he, Dona and the girls moved to Western Grove, Arkansas.  They became members of Faith Assembly of God Church (Harrison) where he served as Youth Director, Song Leader, Deacon and many other capacities.  When Dona could no longer attend church on a regular basis, he began attending Western Grove Bible Church.  He loved this church, its people and especially Pastor Dennis Sisco.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David, Jimmy and Wayne Wilkerson and a host of family and friends that welcomed him home.

Pallbearers will be Don Chandler, Shawn Smith, Tim Jordan, Dustin Hefner, Patrick Wilkerson and Lyle Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. and Mrs. Charles Klepper, Willie Moore, Gale Utley, Don Scott, his friends at Western Grove Bible Church and the Community of Western Grove.

An open visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 4 – 7 PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.  In compliance with Covid-19 state mandates, all attendees must provide and wear face masks and observe social distancing.

A private graveside service for his family will be conducted by Bro. Dennis Sisco.

To honor him, we request that in lieu of flowers, you make a contribution in his name to one of the following; Western Grove Cemetery Association, PO Box 113, Western Grove, AR, 72685 or Western Grove Bible Church, PO Box 123, Western Grove, AR, 72685.

On-line condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com .