Joe M. Wilkinson

Joe M. Wilkinson, 60, departed for Heaven on September 1st, 2016. He had battled numerous health problems for several years, but died suddenly as a victim of a hit-and-run automobile accident.
Joe was born in Chattanooga on March 21st, 1956 to the late E.M. (Wilkie) and Bertie Lou Wilkinson. He graduated East Ridge High School in 1974 and built a career as a mainframe computer programmer for hospitals and banks throughout East Tennessee. Joe tried retirement, but found that he was best suited to enjoy life while working. He joined MAPCO as a full-time employee in May 2016. Joe was athletic, outdoorsy, and community minded. He was an ROTC officer, Life Scout, high school wrestler, and cross country runner. Later, he joined the Knoxville Elk’s Lodge #160 and served as a den leader for GSMC Cub Scout Pack 39. Above all, Joe loved people. He was happiest when surrounded by friends and family. He leaves loved ones in all corners of the country.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and by grandparents, Louie and Bertie M. McAlister. He leaves behind his sister and her husband, Janice and Ken Hobbs of Tucson, Arizona; brother, Robert Pail Wilkinson, of Knoxville; daughter, Bonnie Wilkinson, of Calhoun, Georgia; son, Tate Carty, of Knoxville; as well as three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Knoxville on the beach at Hunter Valley Farm, on Sunday, October 16th at 3:30PM. The family will receive friends prior to the Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church contemporary worship service later that afternoon. Members of ERHS Class of ’74 are planning a celebration for a later time. The family will say final goodbyes in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, an account for education/care has been established at TVA Employees Credit Union in the name of Tate J. Carty. Memorial donations may be made at any branch or mailed to 301 Wall Avenue, P.O. Box 15994, Knoxville, TN, 37901. Please memo “Tate’s Education/Care Fund ***7020” on all deposits.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Joe and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Wilkinson family with his arrangements.