Thomas Milton Wilkinson

Tom passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 16, 2024. Thomas Milton Wilkinson was born to H. E. and Virginia Wilkinson in Shelby, Mississippi on February 7, 1924. Tom was the youngest of five children: H. E. Jr. (Peck), Lucille, Flora, and Kenneth, all of whom preceded him in death. After high school in Shelby, Tom enrolled at the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss where he was a member of KA fraternity. While at Ole Miss, Tom enlisted in the Army as World War II was continuing. He served honorably and was discharged from the army in 1946. Tom re-enrolled at Ole Miss where he then met his soon to be wife, Tooley (Mary) Andrews at the Student Union Building. They were married in 1948. Tom accepted a job with Graham Paper Company that took him sight unseen to the high plains of Amarillo, Texas where he and Tooley moved and began their family. They subsequently moved to Lubbock, Texas after Tom received a promotion to General Manager for Graham Paper Company. Tom stayed employed with Graham Paper Company his entire work career. He and Tooley had four children and remained married for 73 years until her death in 2020. Tom was active through the years in Goodfellows, Lions Club, the Methodist/Covenant Hospital Gift Shop, and Meals on Wheels as the driver for his wife, Tooley's, routes. Over the years Tom and Tooley had many wonderful friends and neighbors; he was always willing to lend a hand or host a neighborhood block party. Tom had a coffee group that met for several years at many locations around town, but ended up regularly meeting in the breakroom at BSGM where his son-in-law was a Partner. Tom was an avid golfer with a regular group of friends at Elm Grove Golf Course. He won his last golf tournament at age 85 at the BS Open. Tom was a devoted caregiver for his wife Tooley who suffered from dementia/Alzheimer's for many years. After her death, Tom moved to Raider Ranch the Isle where he founded a new early morning coffee group and built new relationships within the Raider Ranch community. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Tooley, his son, Drew, and his granddaughter, Victoria Gilbert. He is survived by his children: daughter Melissa Dahlberg of Lubbock; son Tom Jr. of College Station, Texas; daughter Gina (Greg) of Lubbock, Texas. His grandchildren, Jessica Bodoh-Creed, Sarah Wilkinson, Kalie (Chris) Litton, Jared (Abby) Wilkinson, Garrett (Elizabeth) Gilbert, and Grant Gilbert. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Aubrey and Brice Litton and Hattie and Maisie Bodoh-Creed. Tom loved and was loved very much and he was a good dad and an especially wonderful Granddad and Great Granddad. He a was loved and cherished by all of them. The family would like to thank Hospice of Lubbock and Raider Ranch the Isle. We are especially grateful to the staff and caregivers at Raider Ranch the Isle who always provided him with fun, respect, and dignity. Tom requested that there would be no memorial service, but, we, family and friends, old and new celebrated his astonishing century of life in a beautiful and fun 100th birthday party with him in February 2024, and we are happy that we able to share with him a LIVING celebration of life. Yes! 100 years! A life well lived. Any remembrances may be directed to Hospice of Lubbock, Meals On Wheels, or a charity of your choice. Please celebrate the life of Thomas by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Milton Wilkinson

February 7, 1924 - August 16, 2024