Eddie E.. Wilkerson

Eddie E. Wilkerson, 75, was born on august 13, 1933 in Gary, Texas. He passed away on September 22, 2008 in a Tyler Hospital. He was the son of the late Eugene and Eunice Mims Wilkerson Eddie was the owner and operator of Eddie's Paint & Body Shop for 47 years and 7 months, opened for business in January 1960 until July 11, 2007. He enjoyed many things including spending time with his precious family and his friends, flying his airplanes and traveling, running his business, and watching his race horses run and win. Mr. Wilkerson earned his pilot's license in 1972, which began many years of adventures for him and his family. His interest in running and owning race horses began in the 1960s. It was a passion of his until his passing. He took the Lord as his Savior in May 2007. He was affectionately known by his beloved family and grandchildren as "Big Daddy". The most important thing to him was his family and loved ones. He lived for his family and is very much loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dolores, his son, Gary Wilkerson and wife Laura of Henderson, his son, Dean Wilkerson of Henderson, and daughter, Jennifer Wilkerson-Schell and husband, James of Tyler. He had four grandchildren, Rustin Wilkerson of College Station, Mindyn Wilkerson of Henderson, Riley Wilkerson of Henderson, and Curran Schell of Tyler. He is also survived by six sisters, Gladys Miller of Carthage, Olgia Stephenson of Carthage, Marie Shires of Waskom, Bo Cranmore of Carthage, Robbie Frizzell of McKinney and Margaret Ruth Wilkerson of Longview. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son Brady Eric, and siblings James, Dorothy Avis, and Howard Wayne Wilkerson. Funeral services for Eddie will be on Friday, September 26 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Henderson with Bro. Bill Kuykendall officiating. Burial will follow in the Millville Cemetery. Visitation is set for Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ricky Pride, Eddie Pride, Jay Frizzell, Forrest Williams, Jerry Clamp, Ray Wallace, Jimmy Everitt, and Lynn Stanley. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Miller, Carl Propes, Jack Frizzell, Don Guidrey, Rex French, Spencer Armour, Sam Stephenson, Dan Stephenson, the late Bob Plummer, and the many loyal employees of Eddie's Paint and Body Shop. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetes Education Outreach Program, Henderson, Texas 903-657-7541

Eddie E.. Wilkerson

August 13, 1933 - September 22, 2008