Daniel Phillip (Phil) Wilkinson

Daniel Phillip “Phil” Wilkinson, 81, of Statesville, died Thursday, December 28, 2017, at his home.  Mr. Wilkinson was born September 21, 1936, in Lincoln County and was the son of the late Esley Wilkinson and Ruby Heffner Wilkinson.  He was a graduate of Maiden High School class of ’54 and Pfeiffer College.  He served in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired following 32 years of service. On December 22, 1959, he married Dorothy “Dot” Baker Wilkinson and together they shared 58 years before his passing. He was employed with the State Employment Commission of NC as an Appeals Referee.  Mr. Wilkinson was a member of New Salem UMC where he served in many capacities. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn W. Cooke and husband Rev. Reggie Cooke along with two sisters-in-law Elizabeth Henderson and Kathryn Bryant. In addition to his wife, Dot, he is survived by three sons, Mark Wilkinson (Wende) of Stanley, NC, Scott Wilkinson (Katie) and Jeffrey Wilkinson (Tammy), both of Statesville.  He is also survived by five granddaughters, Amanda Wilkinson and Sarah Wilkinson both of Stanley, NC, Rosalyn Wilkinson, Emily Wilkinson and Annie Wilkinson all of Statesville.  He is further survived by one sister-in-law, Aileen Lovelace of Knightdale, NC along with a host of nieces and nephews. A memorial service honoring the life of Phil Wilkinson will be conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday, December 31, 2017, at New Salem UMC with Rev. Keith Franklin officiating.  The family will visit with friends following the service.  Burial of the ashes will be Sunday at 1:00 pm in the New Salem UMC Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Salem UMC, 155 New Salem Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Phil Wilkinson.