Freddy Wilkerson
1942 ~ 2016
Date of death: January 10, 2016
In profound sadness, we the staff at Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc want to express our sincere condolences to the Wilkerson family. Freddy's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelation 21:4 says, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away. Be assured that in the days ahead, you will surely gain strength from the memories of
Freddy "Watermelon Man" Wilkerson. Sincerely,
Derrick B. Veasley ~ Director
Henry B. Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplin
Freddy Floyd Wilkerson affectionately known as the "Watermelon Man", age 73, of Houston, Arkansas, was born on April 23, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas. After a courageous battle with cancer, he transitioned to his Heavenly home on Sunday, January 10, 2016 surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Never a stranger to hard work, Freddy served as a long-haul operator, security guard/bouncer, and fence-builder. He also worked in the oilfields of Mississippi, did construction work in Tennessee, and later moved back to Arkansas and became self-employed, where he mainly sold produce and firewood.
Freddy was an outdoorsman at heart – he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a animal lover and had a special connection with dogs. He also was an avid watcher of western movies/television shows, loved listening to country music, collected guns, and was a member of Baker Hunting Club. In his final years, Freddy was best known as “The Watermelon Man,” supplying people across Central Arkansas with great customer service and delicious watermelons.
To his family and friends, Freddy was known as a master cook and a practical joker – always having a hearty laugh, a contagious smile, but most of all, a heart of gold. He especially enjoyed spoiling his granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by parents, Wesley & Opal (Whitfield) Wilkerson; sister, Patsy Wilkerson; brothers, Danny and Albert “Tom” Wilkerson; and two grandchildren, Richard Nelson, Jr. and Hillary Denise Wilkerson.
Freddy leaves to cherish his loving memory: two sisters, Ruby Wilkerson of Beebe, AR, Teresa Black of Emmet, AR; one brother, Bobby Wilkerson (Judy) of Little Rock, AR; three sons, Richard Nelson, Sr. (Liz) of Toadsuck, AR, Freddy Glenn Wilkerson (Kim) of Hensley, AR, and Cody Wilkerson of Cabot, AR; four daughters, Lisa Graves (James) of Paron, AR, Rita Mason of Conway, AR, Ashley Wilkerson of Laurel, MS, and Krystal Caldwell of Cabot, AR; 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and a host of other relatives and friends. He also leaves two special dogs, Fred and Shorty that will miss him dearly.
Services will be held in his honor on Saturday, January 16, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at True Holiness Saints Center, 198 Hwy. 286-East, Conway, AR.
The family will receive family and friends at the church one-hour prior (10 a.m.) to the service.
In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions may be made to the “Freddy Wilkerson Memorial Fund” at any Centennial Bank location. For other contributions or information, please call (501) 358-6300.