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John Wilkinson Obituary
He was born in Newnan, GA on July 18, 1940, graduating from Newnan High School in 1958 and then continuing his education at the United States Naval Academy (Class of 1963) where he was a member of the crew team. His US Navy career included a tour in Vietnam, as staff for Joint Chiefs at the Pentagon, as Executive Officer of the frigate USS Coontz (DDG-40) as well as command of the guided missile destroyer USS MacDonough (DDG-39). While serving ashore and onboard ship for 24 years, he married Sandra Richmond (from Newnan, Ga) and had two sons: John Glenn "Jay" Wilkinson III and Lee Kenneth Wilkinson. He retired from the US Navy in 1987 with the rank of Captain.
After the Navy, Wink started a new career with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. "Wild Wicked Wink" (as he was sometime known) continued to grow professionally and was promoted to Principal Professional Staff and moved to Gladmar Court in Finksburg, MD. His move to Gladmar Court was with Carol Davission, his dear companion of 33 years. Wink and Carol had great trips overseas, shared a love for good food and wine and their family celebrations were full of "glad tidings."
"Poppa Wink" is survived by Carol, his brother James Wilkinson of Saginaw, Michigan, his sons Jay and Lee as well as three wonderful grandchildren from the Wilkinson side; Ava Elizabeth, John IV, and Taylor Lee, as well as Carol's two sons Jeremy and Eric and two wonderful granddaughters from the Davisson side; Mailee and Gabby.
Wink will be buried at sea by the US Navy. Memorial donations may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (nmcrs.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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