Mr Leroy Wilkes

     In loving memory and tribute to Leroy Wilkes, born August 22, 1928 in Cheek, Oklahoma to the proud parents of Lonnie and Blanche (Anderson) Wilkes. His family relocated to Richmond, CA, in 1943, because employment opportunities were more promising, and he graduated from Richmond Union High School in 1947.

     After high school, Leroy proudly served in the U.S. Navy, during the Korean Conflict Era and Peacetime. He was discharged from the Navy with honors in 1952.

     Leroy was a long-standing devoted member of Davis Chapel C.M.E Church in Richmond, California. He joined along with his parents under Reverend S.R.H. Banks in the early 1950’s. He continued to immerse his knowledge of the Christian faith and by doing so he received a diploma of Graduation from the Bay Cities Bible Institute, Oakland, California.

     On November 27, 1956, Leroy and Gladys Wilkes were joined in holy matrimony and to this union were born seven children, Michael, Kimberly, Jan Carla, Jeffrey (Tony), Jennifer, Erin and David.

     Leroy was employed with the United States Postal Service. He worked on the graveyard shift at the Mc Vittie Annex facility in Richmond, California, and retired after 35 years of service.

     Leroy was a man of many passions. He loved fishing and would go often, especially to the Delta. He also loved gardening and planting vegetables. An avid reader and he enjoyed working on crossword puzzles. He received a certificate of Recognition from the California College of the Arts. He painted canvases resulting in beautiful work of Art. He played the trumpet and enjoyed listening to Classical and Christian music. He loved to cook, and was famous for his Goulash, fried chicken and fish. He also enjoyed carpentry and built many wonderful things. His favorite sport teams were the S.F Giants and 49ers.

     Leroy will always be remembered as a God-fearing, kind-hearted, and thoughtful person that was willing to help others in need. Even though he was a quiet person, he would often tell jokes and make people laugh. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He gave many years as a loving husband, father, grandparent, brother, uncle and friends to others. Leroy will be deeply missed.

     Leroy departed this life on May 12, 2021, and was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Gladys Wilkes; daughter, Jan Carla Wilkes; sons, Michael and Jeffrey (Tony) Wilkes; parents, Lonnie and Blanche Wilkes; sisters, Lillie Smith and Sandra Wilkes.

     He leaves behind to cherish his wonderful memories: four children, Kimberly Wilkes (Elk Grove, CA), Jennifer Vaughn (Elk Grove, CA), Erin Wilkes (Auburn, CA), David Wilkes (Reno, NV); his brother, Leslie V. Wilkes (Syracuse, NY); his sister, Baji Daniels (Atlanta, GA); daughter-in-law, Angela Wilkes (Richmond, CA); thirteen grandchildren, Gina (Tyrone) Banks (Benicia, CA), Kristy Tinsley (Sacramento, CA), Casey Tinsley (Atlanta, GA), Tiffany Tinsley (Elk Grove, CA), RJ (Bridgette) Chambers (Elk Grove, CA), Jessica Galloway (Los Angeles, CA), Nicholas Galloway (Fair Oaks, CA), Taylor Rose Wilkes (Richmond, CA), Michaela Wilkes (Richmond, CA), Rachael Heard (Auburn, CA), Christopher Riser (Hayward, CA), Malik Riser (Antioch, CA), Destiny Wilkerson (Oakland, CA); twelve great-grand children. In addition he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to celebrate his life and mourn his passing.

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