William Russell Wilkerson

WILLIAM R. WILKERSON STUARTS DRAFT, VA William Russell Wilkerson, age 93, widower of Edith Eloise (Elliott) Wilkerson of Stuarts Draft, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the Shenandoah House of Augusta Health. He was born July 11, 1921, in Staunton, a son of the late Aldine Kemper and Eva Bell (Shiflett) Wilkerson. Russell graduated from R. E. Lee High School and Dunsmore Business College. Prior to retirement, Russell was manager of the Shoe Mart for 50 years. Mr. Wilkerson was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during World War II. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he was a Deacon Emeritus, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, and held many offices and committees. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchant's Association. As a resident of Stuarts Draft Retirement Community, he led the Tuesday Morning Bible Study and was a regular contributor to the Village News. Family members include three daughters and a son-in-law, Ann W. and John G. Williams, Susan W. Snyder and D. Kay Coiner, all of Roanoke; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Edgar F. and Shirley Wilkerson of Bridgewater, Raymond O. and Jean Wilkerson of Swoope; four grandchildren, Melinda Reiss and husband, Mark, of Larchmont, NY, Nicole Vanoni and husband, Vittorio, of Bellvue, WA, Karen Snyder of Roanoke, and Benjamin Snyder and wife, Kristen, of Richmond; and five great-grandchildren; Adrian and Jacquelyn Vanoni, Addison and Berkley Snyder, and Alexandra Reiss. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by two brothers Aldine K. "Iky" Wilkerson, Jr. and James E. Wilkerson. A graveside service will be conducted at 11a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015 in Thornrose Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 12 Noon in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Steve Traylor officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church. Honorary pallbearers will be the First Baptist Fellowship Class members, Pat Ohlinger, and Jeane Campfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 406 W. Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401, Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad, 1601 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401, or Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 260, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.