Carl Albert Wilkinson

Mr. Carl Albert Wilkinson, age 84, resident of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Williamson Medical Center.

A funeral service to celebrate Carl's life will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, with Minister Terry Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Barnsville Cemetery in Summertown. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 30th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Carl was born on November 10, 1939, in Summertown, Tennessee, to the late George Riley Wilkinson and the late Sallie Lou Phillips Wilkinson. He graduated from Summertown High School and later earned an associate degree in Louisville, Kentucky. On December 24, 1961, he married Mary Joyce Browning.

Known for his strong work ethic, Carl was one of the hardest working men, often putting in seven days a week. He demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills by founding and operating several businesses, including Carl’s TV Sales & Service, which later evolved into Carl’s TV & Video, Carl’s Hwy 31 Furniture, and Wilkinson Rentals, managing numerous homes and commercial properties.

Carl was an active member of Berea Church of Christ and a longtime participant in various community organizations. He was a distinguished member of the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club, receiving the highest honor, The Melvin Jones Award. Carl served as the club president for two years and held various other roles. He was also affiliated with The Retired State Trooper Association, an Honorary member of the Sheriff’s Association, and a committed member of the Maury County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Country Club for several years.

Despite his demanding work schedule, Carl found joy in hunting and fishing, as well as spending quality time with his beloved family.  He also enjoyed spending time with his special friends, Starlene and Gerald Buie.

Along with his wife, Mary Joyce Willkinson he is survived by his children, Darrell (Joyce) Wilkinson of Columbia, David Wilkinson of Columbia, Carla (William) Caraway of Columbia, and Rick (Terri) Nation of Unionville, TN; sister, Rebecca Davis of Magnolia, KY; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Roy Wilkinson and G.A. Wilkinson; and sisters, Louisa Collett, Ocell Elkins, Dellar Payne, Vera Davis, Dorotha Barton, and Rosemary West.

Pallbearers for Carl's funeral service will include Jacob Love, Randall Wilkinson, Bobby Davis, Mike Dawson, Gerald Buie, and Bradley Love. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Tisher, Keith Baker, and Enoch George.

In lieu of flowers, Carl requested that memorial donations be made to the Tennessee School for the Blind, 115 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.