Henry Wilkinson

Henry Therrell Wilkinson, 86, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 29 years, Elsie Marie Mullican of Wesson, MS, and is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jessie DeKay Wilkinson; his two sons, David T. Wilkinson and wife, Susan of Ellisville, MS; Stephen H. Wilkinson and wife, Stephanie of Richmond, VA; Glenda and David Crain; Harold and Kathy DeKay; Suzanne and Marty McAlilly; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.\ \ Mr. Wilkinson grew up in the Bailey Avenue Community and attended Central High School in Jackson. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 at the age of 19 where he proudly served as a member of the 106th Infantry Division, Medical Detachment of the 592nd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II and participated in such operations as the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944. He was honorably discharged in February, 1946. In 1951, his National Guard unit was called into service during the Korean Conflict. He was commissioned as a Warrant Officer and served as a Medical Administrative Officer during this time.\ \ Mr. Wilkinson is a graduate of Hinds County Junior College and Jackson School of Law. He began his successful business career while attending law school and working part-time for The White Systems of Jackson. Later, he was President of Credit Centers of Mississippi and eventually started his own small loan finance business. Mr. Wilkinson was an active member of various finance industry organizations throughout his career. An avid golfer, he was a member of Colonial Country Club where he served on the Board of Directors and was a member Brookwood Country Club. He was also a member of Raymond Road Baptist Church.\ \ The family would like to thank all of those who have provided compassionate care for Mr. Wilkinson including Riggs Manor of Raymond, MS and those at all veteran's organization, especially the VA Medical Center in Jackson.\ \ Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 23rd from 10am until 10:45am with services to follow at 11am at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.\ \