John Russell Wilkins, age 79, of Bear Creek, NC, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Lee County, NC on September 28, 1943 to the late Carl Hinnant Wilkins and Myrtis Sharpton Wilkins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Sue Wilkins Adams.  John was a graduate of Sanford Central High School where he met his high school sweetheart and wife, of 61 years, Martha Love.  John also attended Sanford Business College.  He was a member of East Sanford Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and many other positions in the church.  In later years, he attended Sandy Branch Baptist Church where he also served in many capacities including Deacon.  For over 40 years, John owned and operated Wilkins Auto Sales.  He was a loving provider to his family and the joy of his life was being around his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Martha Love Wilkins; sons Russ Wilkins (Karen) of Bear Creek, Randy Wilkins (Danielle) of Sanford; grandchildren Amanda Wilkins Cowan (Dan), Matthew Wilkins (Evan), Abby Wilkins Polston (Scotty), Joseph Wilkins, Ashley Wilkins and newborn Jessi Wilkins; great-grandchildren Connor, Banks, Kennedy and Ryleigh.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Buffalo Cemetery with Rev. Robbie Gibson officiating.  The family will receive friends following the graveside service at Wilkins Auto Sales because John loved nothing more than having his family and friends visit him there and share a cup of coffee and catch up.   John will lie-in-state at the funeral home Monday from 12 Noon to Tuesday at 12 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

https://www.bridgescameronfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-Wilkins