Rufus Leonard Wilkinson

Rufus Leonard Wilkinson, passed away on October 14, 2023, at the Tift Regional Medical Center with his children by his side. 

The funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 19, 2023 in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with Rev. Rodney Chappell officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 before the service. Interment will follow the service at Tift Memorial Gardens.

Max Wilkinson, Sean Wilkinson, Blake Watson, Seth Daniels, Logan Clarke, Jacob Crosby, Grady Newby, Maddox Wilkinson, Cole Watson, Knox Watson and Ronan Fain will serve as pallbearers. 

Mr. Wilkinson was born April 1, 1929 in Marianna, Florida to the late Lee Ander Wilkinson and Opie Odelle Simmons Wilkinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Helen Evelyn Dixon Wilkinson to whom he was married for fifty-eight years at the time of her death on August 4, 2012, his daughter, Barbara Sue Williams who died December 9, 2020, his great grandson, Scott Crosby and his brothers, Johnny Wilkinson, Cecil Wilkinson, and William Wilkinson.

Rufus began his professional journey by joining the textile industry after completing his education. He dedicated forty-four years of his life to the textile industry with J. P. Stevens, where he showcased his commitment and expertise. In addition to his dedication to work and family, Rufus also served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War.

When he wasn't working or spending time with family, Rufus enjoyed participating in activities organized by the Woodmen of the World Fraternity. He found great fulfillment in engaging with others through this organization. Furthermore, Rufus had a passion for fishing and hunting.

Rufus is survived by his son Marcus Wilkinson and his wife Tracy of Cordele, daughter Wanda Watford and her husband, LaDon of Gray, his grandchildren, Tammy Lundy, Aubrey Newby, Max Wilkinson, Sean Wilkinson, Kimberly Owens and Mayson Watford, eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and his sister Janice Strickland of Ashford, Ala and son-in-law, Virgil Williams. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Hospice of Tift Area, PO Box 747, Tifton, Ga. 31793.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.