Tributes

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 5:8 Gary Jerome Wilkins was born on September 2, 1956 at Bethel Clinic, Bethel, NC to James Columbus Wilkins and Mary Lee Wilkins. He departed this life on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. From his youth, Gary carried a gentle spirit and a heart filled with compassion for others. He lived his life as a servant to his family, his church, his community, and his country. Gary attended the local school in Pitt County and graduated from North Pitt High School class of 1975. He went on to further his education at Pitt Technical Institute for one and half years and decided that he wanted to do something else. Gary decided to join the US Army and served honorably for 40 years, achieving the distinguished rank of Master Seargent. He was also a secret service agent, Colin Powell administration secretary, a tester for new enlisting soldiers. His years of service reflected his strong faith, sense of duty, and love for helping others. Whether in uniform or at home, Gary’s integrity, patience and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Gary married his high school sweetheart in Mattie Elaine Parker on December 24, 1977 and they would have celebrated forty-eight years of marriage this December. Gary loved the Lord deeply and was a devoted member of his local Church of Christ, where he was always present, praying, singing, serving, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. His favor saying was “God’s been too good to me to complain,” and those words guided how he lived every day of his life. Gary was a man with a big heart and a spirit full of compassion. He never met a stranger, and his laughter could light up a room. He believed in giving whether through time, love, or simply listening and he leaves behind countless lives touched by his kindness. Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Columbus Wilkins and Mary Lee Wilkins; his dear siblings, Jeffery Wilkins, Hattie Mobley Camp; his godparents, Annie Ruth Langley, Henry B. Langley. Gary leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Mattie Elaine Wilkins; siblings, Reatha Wilkins of Petersburg, VA, William James Wilkins (Belinda) of Greenville, NC, Grace Wilkins of Washington, DC, Dennis Wilkins (Anna Jean) of Greenville, NC, Connie Harvard of Washington, DC, Nancy Wilkins of Charlotte, NC; three sisters-in-law, Bernice Brown (Eric) of New Haven, CT, Cynthia Ifill of Waterbury, CT, Rosa Parker of Greenville, NC; six brothers-in-law, Douglas Murchinson (Nita) of Georgia, Ronnie Sharpe (Donna) of Suffolk, VA, Ronnie Green of Greenville, NC, Reginald Murchinson of Baltimore, MD, Clyde Murchinson (Rita) of Greenville, NC, Anthony Randall of Baltimore, MD, Jarvis Carroll of New Haven, CT; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews who adored him. Gary was lovely raised alongside Julie, Deborah, Margaret, Laura, Clariss, Henry, Eddie Dean, Willie and Benjamin, sharing a bond that went far beyond family-it was one of love, laughter, and unbreakable connections. Gary’s love extended to his godchildren Clarissa, Caleb, Kymisha, Quincy, Davon, Tinisha, and Mark, and Rachel, each of whom he loved as his own. While Gary’s presence will be deeply missed, his memory will continue to inspire love, faith, and strength in all who knew him. His life was a living example of God’s grace — a reminder to love unconditionally, serve faithfully, and live joyfully. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” — Revelation 14:13

Tributes

Mr. Gary J. Wilkins

September 2, 1956 - October 8, 2025