Allenee Wilkes

Allenee Wilkes, born June 4, 1931, in Jackson County, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Mr. Wilkes lived a life marked by devotion to his family, faithful service, and a deep love for the simple blessings of home and the outdoors. He was an Army veteran who served in Korea and was decorated with the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, honors that reflected both his courage and his sacrifice. Following his military service, he retired from Dayco International.

Allenee enjoyed coon hunting, gardening, especially growing tomatoes, and was also a member of Ochre Hill Baptist Church.

Above all, Allenee cared more for his family than he did for himself. That devotion showed plainly throughout his life. When he had a physical ailment, his concern was not for his own hardship, but for the well-being of those he loved. His family was among his proudest accomplishments, and the love he gave them stands as one of the clearest measures of his life.

He is survived by his son, Thomas Wilkes; his daughter, Martha and husband, Steve, Carpenter; his granddaughter, Morgan Carpenter; sister, Sue Ward; a foster son, Wayne Gillespie; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Talitha Jane Wilkes; wife, Emmalou Blanton Wilkes and second wife, Betty Coggins Wilkes; sisters, Thelma (West) Buchanan, Alma Webb, and Mildred Davis; and his brothers, Charles Alden (Pete) Wilkes and Raymond Wilkes.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Reverend Darrell Webb and Reverend Doug Mathis officiating. Burial will follow at Ochre Hill Baptist Church Cemetery where military rights will be rendered. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Appalachian Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Wilkes family.