Henry (Buck) Wilkerson, Sr.

Henry Clay Wilkerson, Sr., affectionately known as Buck, was born to the late Major and Lillie Wilkerson on May 24, 1934, in Doswell, Va. The Lord called him home on Friday, December 10, 2021.

He attended school in Hanover County, and even though he left school to work at a young age, he was very sharp, could quickly do Math in his head, and relied heavily on “Common Sense.” He accepted Christ at an early age, and was a faithful member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Doswell, Va., where he served on the Usher Board for many years.

On April 27, 1963, he married the love of his life, Gladys A. Woolfolk of Ruther Glen, Va. One thing he never minded doing was working. He served in the United States Army. He was a machine operator at several different places and finally retired at Westvaco in Richmond, Va. After retirement, he worked for Hanover County Public Works where he was able to work and socialize with many people who frequented the Doswell Transfer Station. He continued to work there until his health began to fail. After working long shifts, he would often go straight from the car to the lawnmower or to the garden. He took pride in his beautiful lawn and plentiful vegetables, which he was well known for in the community.

He also enjoyed boxing and baseball and only kept up with football so he could go to work and talk trash to “the guys.” Hunting was also one of his favorite hobbies. In his younger years enjoyed dancing and having a good time with friends and family. He especially enjoyed his brothers and sisters and was always eager to share stories about the fun times they had. He was a man of his word, always on time, and was as straight forward as they come. He didn’t mind helping anyone he could and made lifelong friends everywhere he went.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his 2 brothers and sisters-in-law: Shirley Wilkerson(Helen) and Thomas Wilkerson (Viola). As well as his 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law: Alberta Johnson, Betty Ann Shelton (Ray), Catherine Cary (Leslie); He was also preceded in death by one of his closest friends, James Minor.

Buck leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Gladys Arlene Wilkerson; 2 sons, Henry Wilkerson, Jr. and Calvin Woolfolk (Sharon); One daughter, Kimberly Jones (Jason); One daughter-in-law, Kym Dabney; Four granddaughters, Essence Wilkerson, Ebony Carey (Darryl), Quionna Woolfolk, and Brittany Woolfolk; One sister, Corine Lucas (Warrick); One Brother, Melvin Wilkerson; Several great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. One devoted nephew, Robert Johnson, Jr.; One devoted niece, Betty Jean Gaynor; devoted friends, Raymond Freeman, Franklin Jones, Nancy Hart, Wortham Smithers, and Celestine Mickens to name a few. He will be missed and remembered by many.