Charles "Gene" Eugene Wilkes

Charles Eugene (Gene) Wilkes passed away on December 23, 2020. Born in Hopewell, Virginia on February 21, 1933, to Thomas and Elnora Gibson Wilkes in Hopewell, Virginia, he also considered home to be Bedford, Virginia and Enon. He is preceded in death by his older brother, Tommy. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann Robertson Wilkes; brother, Rev. Linwood Wilkes; son, Thomas (Kelly); daughter, Sharon; grandson, Kyle (Sara); great grandchildren, (Hayden, Kennedy, Emersyn), granddaughter, Alicia (Tyler and his children); nieces, and nephews, (Susan, Lynn, Bryan, Kevin, Scott, Meredith, Mark, Debbie); and many other extended family members. Upon graduation from high school Gene entered the military, by serving in the National Guard, and the Army, being stationed at Fort Knox and Fort Hood. After he was honorably discharged Gene worked as a lineman for VEPCO (Dominion Power). He went on to be a Virginia State Trooper, an employee of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, and Director of Security for the Bank of Virginia. He also attended East Carolina University, and received his degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Even after retirement from the bank, Gene went to work part-time at the Virginia Department of Corrections, where he worked for 20 years. Gene was a long time member of West End Presbyterian Church, where he served many roles. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, positive demeanor, love of golf, and most importantly love for his family. Should you desire, a donation can be made in his honor to West End Presbyterian Church, 1600 Atlantic Street, Hopewell, Virginia 23860. A service will be held on December 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at West End Presbyterian Church, with interment to follow in Appomattox Cemetery. The family asks that masks be worn and adhere to social distancing guidelines. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of JT Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .