Earnest Wilkins

Mr. Earnest U. Wilkins, age 87, of 5156 Benson Hardee Road died Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Friday, November 25, 2011, at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be Revs. Richard McKeel and Steve Morris. Burial will follow in Harnett Devotional Gardens, Dunn. Mr. Wilkins was born December 1, 1923 in Person County to the late James and Christine Long Wilkins. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Clara Stephenson and Dorothy Stephenson; and brothers, Rufus Wilkins, Leamon Wilkins, Spencer Wilkins, John Wilkins and George Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins was a retied Builder and Farmer.  He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and was a member of West Johnston Fire Department for over 20 years.  Mr. Wilkins was a member of Stevens Chapel Church where he served 25 years as a deacon. Surviving include His Wife of 68 years, Leoma Weeks Wilkins; Son & Daughter-In-Law, Jim and Linda Wilkins of Benson; Granddaughters, Carrie Carpenter and husband, Kyle, of Asheville, and Katie Wilkins of Benson; Great Grandchildren, Coleman Carpenter and Carly Carpenter; Sisters, Ida Campbell of Angier and Mamie Godwin of Benson; Brothers, Elmo Wilkins of Benson and Thomas Wilkins of Richmond, VA. Family will receive friends at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson Friday from 1:00PM to 2:00PM prior to the service. Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060.