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It is with deep sorrow that the Wilkes family announces the death of Mr. Tony Randall Wilkes, Jr., 38. Mr. Wilkes entered into rest on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 3 o'clock on Monday, December 16, 2024, in Wilkes Chapel Independent Church. The Rev. Robert Potthoff will officiate with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Mr. Wilkes was born on Saturday, January 25, 1986, in Florence County, South Carolina. He is the son of Tony Randall Wilkes, Sr., and Rose Marie White Wilkes. Randall Wilkes attended Plainview Elementary and graduated from McBee High School in 2004. During his school years, Randall excelled both academically and athletically. He was extremely intelligent, earned numerous scholastic awards, and obtained honor roll grades throughout his education. Randall had a lifelong love for sports. He played baseball with the Hartsville Northern League and continued his passion during his time at McBee High School, where he was also a proud member of the football team. He was an avid South Carolina Gamecocks fan and enthusiastically supported the team throughout his life. Randall’s interests extended beyond sports. He was passionate about martial arts, even teaching classes to share his knowledge and skills. He also had a profound appreciation for music, teaching himself to play the guitar and fluently learning Spanish on his own. Randall’s love for music and language reflected his curiosity and creative spirit. He embraced all genres of music, enjoyed a wide variety of movies, and was a devoted fan of stand-up comedy. He had a special gift for humor and found joy in making others laugh, and was always eager to share a joke or a funny video or story. After graduating high school, Randall proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station before being assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). As part of the decommissioning crew, he witnessed the ship’s storied legacy come to a close. Seeking further challenges, Randall volunteered for Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion 5 (NPDB 5). After completing training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he completed a nine-month deployment at Camp Bucca in Iraq. He concluded his military service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Following his service, Randall discovered a passion for auto mechanics. He worked in various dealerships and service shops. Randall’s legacy is one of curiosity, intelligence, humor, and service to others. He was loved dearly by many and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his parents, Tony and Rose Wilkes of Hartsville, SC; daughter, Abigail Wilkes of Kingstree, SC; sisters, Faith Wilkes and Emily Wilkes, both of Hartsville, SC; nieces, Andrea Huneycutt, Kendra Huneycutt, Lilyanna Turner, and Willow Dixon; nephews, Jaxon Kelley and Phoenix Wilkes; maternal grandmother, Sarah Hoechstetter; aunts and uncles, Judy and Roy Fales, Randy and Gail Wilkes, Suzan and Lloyd Hayes, Jerry and Cherie White, Tim White, Randy and Tammy White, John and Ann White; his beloved dog, Zeus. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Early and Annie Ruth Wilks; paternal aunt, Kathy Wilks; maternal grandfather, Cecil White; and his faithful canine companion, Grover.

Tributes

Mr. Tony Randall Wilkes Jr.

January 25, 1986 - December 11, 2024