Harold Wilkey

 Harold Wilkey, age 96, of Sylva, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Just before God called him home, his wish was to sing “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You.” He was the husband of Ruth Wilkey and the son of the late George and Elsie Wilkey.
Harold was a charter member of Long Branch Baptist Church. He was a small business owner, having owned J&W Rentals. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his dear family. 
He served his country as a member of the US Army. A World War II veteran, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and later served as a military policeman and a rifleman. Harold was proud of his service to his country. 
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Marshall Wilkey and Charles Wilkey as well as by two sisters, Georgie Ensley and Irene Wilkey.  
Harold is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruth Wilkey; one son, Edwin (Pam) Wilkey; one daughter, Bobbie (Roger) Brooks; and two granddaughters, April (Dale) Buchanan and Jennifer (Rodney) Holland. Also surviving are one great granddaughter, Morgan (Trevor) Smith; one great grandson, Bailey Buchanan; one great great grandson, Ryder Buchanan and several special nieces and nephews. 
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 3:00 pm at Long Branch Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Grissom, Rev. Mark Tice, and Rev. Avery Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in the Franklin Cemetery. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the funeral service from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given in Harold’s memory to: Long Branch Baptist Church PO Box 162 Dillsboro, NC 28725.