Ronnie Dean Wilkerson

Ronnie Dean Wilkerson, 68, of Manila, passed from this life Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Caraway to the late Lonnie and Florence Vinson Wilkerson, he was raised in Northeast Arkansas and was a lifelong area resident. He was a ginner for several area gins for 48 years and retired in 2021. Ronnie enjoyed camping, fishing and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved his wife and family, especially his grandchildren. Ronnie loved the Fourth of July and Christmas because he got to see the excitement on his kids’ and grandkids’ faces. He had a contagious smile that would light up the room. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby Wilkerson and Wayne Wilkerson, and a sister, Irene Wilkerson.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Shelia Stull Wilkerson, of the home; one son, Ronnie Wilkerson (Tammy) of Monette; one daughter, Missy Carlton (Chad) of Jonesboro; two brothers, Larry Wilkerson and Sam Wilkerson; four sisters, Alice Junyor, Linda Bush, Christine Fuller and Kathy Guy; eight grandchildren, Aryanna Watkins, Allyk Watkins, Avian Carlton, Hunter Wilkerson, Meghan Wilkerson, Amy Wilkerson, Katherine Laggan and Matthew Cotton. Ronnie also leaves four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Biscuit.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Graig Stull officiating. The family will receive visitors Thursday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.