Merlin Tyree Wilkins

Merlin Tyree Wilkins, 52, of Dinwiddie County, passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 5, 2014. Born in Mecklenburg County, Merlin lived most of his life in Dinwiddie and was a 1980 graduate of Dinwiddie High School. He retired after 23 years of dedicated service to the Dinwiddie Sheriff’s Department. Merlin had a special love for music which included playing multiple instruments and singing. His talents also included drawing and cooking. Merlin always put his family first, and he loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own children. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karen Rogerson Wilkins; his parents, Hurley B. Wilkins and Elizabeth C. Wilkins; sister, Shelia Conlee and husband, Bobby; brother, James Lee Wilkins; father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Shirley Rogerson; brothers-in-law, Ricky Rogerson and wife, Cindi, Bennette Rogerson and wife, Debra, and Chuck Rogerson; nieces and nephews, Beth “Pee-Wee” Conlee, Maegan Lynne Conlee, Richard Rogerson, Jr., Daniel Rogerson, Mason Rogerson, Charles Rogerson, Madeline Rogerson and Molly Rogerson; devoted uncles and aunts, Roland and Annie Wilkins, and Kathy and Rodger Monday; special friends, Robert Rainey and Alvin Booth, and numerous other friends and relatives. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, at Smyrna Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The Reverend Robert Rowland will officiate. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .