Charles Lenn Wilkes

Charles “Lenn” Wilkes, age 76 of Cullowhee, gained his heavenly healing on the morning of April 18, 2026 after a nine month courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 18, 1949, in Jackson County to the belated the belated Charles Alden and Ida Mae Fox Wilkes. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and his wife of over 40 years,Dana Blanchard Wilkes.

He was a graduate of Cullowhee High School. After graduation he worked for the NC DOT Road Oil crew until he went to serve his country in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the United States, he completed the mechanics course at Southwestern Technical Institute(now SCC). He was a well known and sought after mechanic working for P & M Automotive, the Cullowhee Exxon, Watson’s Alignment & Automotive and then later retiring from the mechanic shop at Western Carolina University. After his retirement, he returned to work part-time at Watson’s and driving the Cat Tran for WCU until he became a full-time caregiver for his wife, Dana until her passing. He has proudly been a member of Cullowhee Fire Department where he’s faithfully served his community for over 30 years.

His greatest accomplishment was being a Christian. He was proud of his faith and Godly heritage. He enjoyed singing and playing gospel music, and sang with a few gospel groups over the years. He was the song leader and a deacon at Speedwell Baptist Church for many years, where he attended his entire life. He loved to hunt and fish. He was full of humor, and the most friendly, loving, kind, and selfless person. He was well loved and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Surviving are his only child Kelly Lance (Travis), granddaughter Hayden Masters (Kaleb), grandson Corban Kirkpatrick, great-granddaughter Avery Masters, his sisters that took great care of him, Linda Haney(Lamar), twin Elaine Haskett (Roy) his brother Marvin and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3pm on Friday April 24,2026 in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services. Burial will follow at Hooper-Speedwell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1pm to 3pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be members of Cullowhee Fire Dept., with his grandson, son-in-law and nephews as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to send special thanks to his brothers and sisters of Cullowhee Fire Dept. for always looking out for, and taking care of him and his family, WNC Internal Medicine, Messino and Harris Cancer Ctrs. and the other members of the community that have taken time over the past several years in supporting and caring for Lenn and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that you make donations in his memory to Cullowhee Fire Department.