John William Wilkerson

John William Wilkerson, 87, of Bedford, died Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at the Elks National Home Special Care.  He was born in Bedford on December 19, 1923 a son of the late Walter Holcomb Wilkerson and Hettie James Wilkerson.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Nance Wilkerson, brothers, Walter Carlton Wilkerson and Atwell H. Wilkerson; two granddaughters, Laura S. Thompson and Madeline M. Thompson. He was a faithful member of Suck Spring Baptist Church for many years, where he served on the Deacon Board and as Choir Director.  He served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corp during the Pacific Theatre.   John was retired from Bedford Farmers Supply.  He is survived by his son, Michael W. Wilkerson (Mary); three daughters, Faye W. Eubank (David); Mary W. Thompson (Jim); Patricia W. Childress; grandchildren, Vickie White (Louis), Mike Thompson (Danielle), Joshua Childress (Heather), Clair Wilkerson, Stevie Ann Wilkerson and Carrie Childress; great-grandchildren, Matthew Eckart, Katie Eckart, Josie White, Millie Thompson and Canaan Thompson; sisters, Mildred Arrington and June Mens (Maynard); sisters-in-law, Betty Layne (Roger); Edna Murray and Sue Helenihi; A special thanks to the Staff at the Elks Home who became part of his family during the past 10 years.  Memorials may be made to the World Hunger Fund, Suck Spring Church, 3887 Jopling Rd. Bedford, VA  24523 or Special Care Unit, Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Ave.  Bedford, VA  24523.  A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2011 at Suck Spring Baptist Church with the graveside service following in the Suck Spring Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 Thursday evening at Burch-Messier Funeral Home (Main Street Location), 317 W. Main Street, Bedford, 540-586-7360