Robert Jackson Wilkie

Robert Jackson (Jack) Wilkie, 83, of 3078 Roberts Chapel Road, Goldston died Thursday, March 27, 2014 at his residence. Mr. Wilkie was born in Chatham County on October 25, 1930 the son of General Jackson (Jim) Wilkie and Clara (Hancock) Wilkie. He was a graduate of Bonlee High school, Bonlee, NC. Jack was a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force and a long time member of the American Legion. He made his career in the textile industry, serving as Vice-President of Manufacturing for Whitin Roberts Company in Sanford, NC for over 40 years. Jack was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Goldston, NC. Besides a loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was most proud of his public service to the educators, administrators, and children of Chatham County during 34 years of service on the Chatham County Board of Education, including 32 consecutive years as Chairman. He also received the prestigious ORDER of the LONG LEAF PINE for outstanding citizenship. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Faye Wilkie, son Jimmy Wilkie, grandson Kenny Lester, and one brother Raymond Wilkie. He is survived by son Robert Dean Wilkie and wife Phyllis of Liberty, NC; daughter: Diane Wilkie Lester and husband Lynn of Goldston, NC; one grandson Brad Wilkie and wife Dana of Asheboro, NC; one granddaughter Lindy Lester of Chapel Hill, NC; great grand-daughter Peyton Wilkie, two great grandsons Kenny Lester and Kobe Flynn; one sister Carol Sloan and spouse Bobby of Goldston, NC and brother Harry Dean Wilkie and spouse Lee of Cherry Grove, SC. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344. The funeral service will be Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Antioch Baptist Church, 3835 Bonlee-Carbonton Road, Goldston, NC 27252 conducted by pastor Mike Garner and pastor Ken Harris. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or UNC Hospice, P O Box 1077, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Special thanks to caregivers Darien Russell, Carolyn Patterson, and Janet Wyatt. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com