Richard Wilkerson

Richard Allan Wilkerson Sr., 76, of Little Rock passed from this life on Friday, May 21, 2021 at his home. He was born Saturday, July 24, 1944 to the late Houston and Ophelia Haynes Wilkerson and was raised in the East End community. Richard graduated from Sheridan High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA), and a master’s degree in Education and Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He began his teaching and coaching career at Brinkley High School in 1967 ,followed by Pulaski County Special School District from 1975 until he retired in 2000. He spent several years as a referee for high school football. Richard was also a craftsman by trade, he started Wilkerson Cabinet & Remodeling in 1978 and continued to work up until his passing. Richard loved spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies included golfing, hunting, gardening and cooking. He was an avid sports fan and loved spending as much time as he could outdoors.

Mr. Wilkerson will be remembered as a man of dignity, integrity, and character. With Richard, what you saw was what you got. His faith and trust in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ were unwavering, regardless of the situation or circumstances. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Brinkley, East Union Baptist and most recently at Geyer Springs First Baptist. Richard’s church family always held a special place in his heart; he was always willing to do anything he could to lend a hand. His kindness and generosity are not easily matched and will never be forgotten.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of fifty-three years, Rosanne Vanderburg Wilkerson; son, Richard Allan “Speedy” Wilkerson Jr. and wife Bekka of Bryant, daughter, Holly Anne Todd, and husband David of Little Rock; grandchildren, Austin Wilkerson, Grant Todd, Bailey Wilkerson, Bryce Wilkerson, and Abby Todd. Other survivors include great grandson, Oliver Allan Wilkerson, sister, Deborah Winston, niece, Andrea Hale and nephew, Brent Winston along with a host of extended family and dearly loved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Houston and Ophelia Haynes Wilkerson and his brother-in-law, W.A. “Dub” Winston.

Visitation will be 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Monday, May 24, 2021 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery in East End.

Austin Wilkerson, Bryce Wilkerson, Grant Todd, Brent Winston, Dr. Bill Harris Jr., and Jeff Wilkerson will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Staggs, John James, Rodger Woodall, Tommy Hollis, Joe Sorrels, Eddie Cole, Eric Wilkerson, Tom Camp, Butch Camp, the members of the East Saline Hunting Club, and the Salem Cemetery Committee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Richard’s honor to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 31510, Little Rock, AR 72260 or Salem Cemetery, 3413 Lorance Drive, Little Rock, AR 72206.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114, (501) 758-1170. Sign Mr. Wilkerson’s online guest register at www.smithfamilycares.com