Dr. Wilkinson

Dr. Aubrey Earl Wilkinson, son of John Brice Wilkinson and Rosa Caroline Reynolds, died September 8, 2018 at the age of 96. Born November 12, 1921, he was a descendant of the pioneering West Texas Reynolds and Matthews ranching families. He came of age during the Great Depression, and served in the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific during World War II.

He met his wife of 70 years, Katherine Powell, while a student at North Texas State University, marrying her in 1942. They had three children and moved to numerous cities, teaching at Baylor University, Southwestern, Memphis State and the University of Texas where he also received his Ph.D. He began working for the Veterans Administration in Dallas, moving to North Little Rock to work at the Ft. Roots VA Hospital in 1962.

Earl was the last of five brothers, John, George, Robert and Walt Wilkinson, all of whom defied the odds of an early, nomadic, hardscrabble life during the depression years to become successful lawmen, ranchers and oil men, and himself, an academic, as a long serving psychologist.

Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Katherine, and his sons, David Powell Wilkinson and James Harrell Wilkinson. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Scott (Richard); grandchildren, Richard Hall (Lydia), John David Hall, James Hall (Piper), Jesse Hall (Neely), Caroline Sorrows (Tom), Mary Hall, Lyndsay Fisher (Ronnie), Whitney Elwart (Matt) and Evan Brice Wilkinson. So far, there are 19 great-grandchildren who were a great source of joy to him.

Earl served his church for more than 50 years. He and his wife founded the Food Pantry at Park Hill Christian Church which grew to serve 150 families each week. Until her death, he and Kathy brought food to the church twice a week. He was a member of the Arkansas Board of Psychological Examiners and enjoyed a private practice with his friend, Dr. Arthur Rogers.

He loved all sports, but his favorite was golf. One of his happiest moments was making a hole-in-one on his 50th wedding anniversary. After most of his friends passed away, he still played with his dear friend and pastor, the Rev. Jim Farmer. He was also a talented musician, and instilled a love of music in many.

Discovering Maria Montesorri's writings about "How Children Learn," his paper about her was published in the Congressional Record in the 1950s. He was a founder of the Little Rock Montesorri School in 1964-65, the North Little Rock Montesorri School in 1969, and when the Children's House Montesorri opened the Maria Montesorri Elementary School in downtown Little Rock in 1982, he spent several years as its Director.

Earl had many achievements, but he was proudest of his family. He taught us to love God, to work and study hard, to love and respect diversity, and to look for the good in everyone.

He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Katherine, in Arlington, Texas later this month. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Park Hill Christian Church, 4400 J.F.K. Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Earl's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.