Harry "Rick" Richard Wilkes

Harry Richard Wilkes, 66, of Athens, passed away in the early morning hours of February 2, 2023 after succumbing to Liver disease.

Rick born on Christmas day, 1956 and was the youngest of three sons born in Athens to the late Margie and Dupree Wilkes. He attended public schools in Athens and Madison County, graduating from Madison County High school, Class of 1975.

He briefly attended Young Harris college and then enlisted in the US Air Force in 1976. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB Texas, he proceeded to Technical training school earning an X-Ray technician certification. He was then assigned to the Scott AFB, Illinois medical squadron where he fulfilled his military obligation with an honorable discharge.

Rick then returned to Georgia and was briefly employed by Athens General Hospital. He was employed by several companies over his career to include Kendall, Frito Lay, and California Cereal.

Rick was a fun-loving person who enjoyed shooting pool, restoring old cars, and participating in Civil War reenactments. He was also strong Christian and a member of Living Waters Holiness Church in Colbert. He was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his son, Russ Nevil (Sunny) and three grandchildren, Isabella, Benjamin, and Dylan of Alpharetta as well as his two brothers, Jimmy (Cheryl) of Braselton and Terry (Cindy) of Buford. Uncle Rick was also survived by his nieces, Renee, Amy, Jessica, and Holly as well as his nephew, Christopher.

Rick’s closest friends, who were so faithful to help care for him in his last days were Jennie Butler and Patty Jordan. Many thanks, especially to Jennie, his caregiver, during his home Hospice care.

A Celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 8, at Lord and Stephens, West Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Janice Loggins officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow on Thursday, February 9 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at Living Waters Holiness Church, 215 S 5th St, Colbert, GA 30628.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com