Saturday, April 20, 2024
William Wilkins, age 81, of Temple, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Temple.
Graveside services were held on Friday, June 9, at Smith-King Cemetery, near Mound.
William David Wilkins was born on April 28, 1942, in Coryell County, to the late Euna C. and Genia B. Seward Wilkins. He grew up in the Flat community and Gatesville, graduating in 1960 from Flat High School. Immediately after high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in North Carolina and Europe as an aviation technician. After his discharge, he returned to the Gatesville area. He later moved to Houston and married Nancy Eliason in 1970. He worked as an aircraft mechanic at Ellington Field and for Shell Refinery as a machinist for 30 years. After his retirement, they moved to Temple, where they currently resided. He was a skilled knife maker and he enjoyed fishing and motorcycle riding and trips throughout the hill country. William was loyal and meticulous in maintaining the Smith King Cemetery and cemeteries on Ft. Hood.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Patsy Baker, Mary Wilkins and JoAnn Mitchell.
William is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Wilkins; oldest daughter, Yllisia Allen and husband, Jeff, and their son, Mason Colt Allen, youngest daughter, Carrie Elaine Wilkins; brothers, Robert Wilkins, Steve Wilkins; and sisters, Lillie Bright, Betty Mayhew and Jenny Lindley. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that were dear to him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.
