Gretna…..Victor Ray Wilkes, age 78 of 120 Wilkes Drive, Gretna, died Friday, January 20, 2012 at the Gretna Health & Rehab Center.
Born January 23, 1933 in Pittsylvania County, he was a son of the late Victor Lawrence Wilkes and Gracie English Wilkes. He was predeceased by five brothers, Robert Wilkes, Lawrence Wilkes, Willie Wilkes, Thomas Wilkes, and J.D. Wilkes; and two sisters, Lucille Dixon, and Doris Aultice. Ray was a member and Deacon of Sandy Level Baptist Church, and was a retired supervisor with the Lane Company. He was an Army Corporal veteran of the Korean Conflict; and was a member, former Commander, and House Manager for American Legion Post 232. Ray enjoyed playing the guitar, Blue Grass Music, fishing, and gardening.
He is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Norris Keesee Wilkes of the residence; two daughters, Kim W. Adkins and husband Lydell (Boo) of Pittsville, and Kristi W. Franklin and husband, Eddie of Lynch Station; one brother, Walter Wilkes of Lynchburg; one sister, Mary Barbour of Cincinnati, Ohio; two grandchildren, Shelley Short, and Chad Adkins; and one great-grandchild, Haley Short.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2012 at
Sandy Level Baptist Church by Pastor Kendall Smith. Burial with military honors by the Virginia National Guard Honor Guard will follow in the Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.