Living

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Ruth Wilkes
• Social Security Number: 240-03-3486
• SSN issued: Bef 1951, North Carolina, USA

Notes:

Died:
WILKES - Ruth V. Wilkes, 87, a resident of Green Cove Springs, died June 8, 1999.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Floyd Wilkes.

She is survived by her beloved family members: 4 children, Judge William A. Wilkes, wife Delores; Ronald G. Wilkes, wife, Michelle; Gail W. Roberts, husband, Gerald; James R. Wilkes, wife, Sherri; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Wilkes six grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, June 10th, 7 to 8 PM.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 11th, 11:00 AM at Russell Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Baker officiating.

Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of CLAY FUNERAL HOME, Green Cove Springs, FL.

Family/Spouse: Henry Floyd Wilkes. Henry (son of John Arthur Wilkes and Anna Belle Fields) was born on 24 Jun 1909 in Lumberton, Robeson, North Carolina, USA; died on 3 Dec 1979 in Clay, Florida, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography
Judge Wilkes graduated from the University of Florida in April of 1965, with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received his Juris Doctor from Cumerland Law School in January of 1968. He practiced law from 1968 to 1980 with the firm Anderson, Wilkes, & McAnnally. He was elected County Judge in 1980 and served from 1981 to 1985. He was appointed Circuit Judge in 1985 and re-elected 1986, 1991, 1998 and 2004.
Additional Information
Judge Wilkes is married to Delores M. Wilkes and has three children: Joseph Jennings Wilkes, William Scott Wilkes, and Kristen Wilkes West. His Judicial Assistant is Lenore A. Dunaway.

Clay County says goodbye to respected judge
State law forces William A. Wilkes to retire after serving three decades.
Posted: November 8, 2010 - 1:00am

BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union
William A. Wilkes sits next to his wife, Delores, and their family as he is honored by his colleagues in a retirement ceremony at the Clay County Courthouse on Thursday in Green Cove Springs.

By David Hunt
GREEN COVE SPRINGS - He's known as the consummate jurist, a judge of the people, the local boy whose humble sensibilities were never blurred by the power of the robe and the gavel.

Looking back on three decades on the bench - a career he said he'd never have predicted for himself as a younger man - Circuit Judge William A. Wilkes is retiring.

State law requires Wilkes, who turned 71 Friday, to step down because of his age, although his retirement may become more of a brief hiatus as he said he plans to apply for senior judge status, meaning he'd be called on as needed to hear cases.

What sets Wilkes apart, colleagues said, is his ability to keep a cool head at times when many judges would holler about a defendant's poor behavior or an attorney's trial preparation.

"I'm sure even people he put in the slammer for many, many years would respect him," said David King, vice president of the Clay County Bar. "People respect him for what he does. It is very, very tough to shoot it down the middle like he does."

There are handfuls of biographical points to which Wilkes' modesty can be traced. He said playing football for Clay High School more than 50 years ago taught him about teamwork while his time playing center field on the school's baseball team taught him how much could be riding on any individual's performance.

When he was a young attorney, he said he remembers one judge being downright abusive. He said he took it as guidance to never lash out. The biggest problem, he reasoned, is that a judge has the power to contaminate a case by making a defendant or jury think a lawyer is incompetent.

"Now, I have no problem calling an attorney into my office if I think they need a little Sunday school lesson about a case," Wilkes said.

Providing a judiciously sterile environment for attorneys to argue and defendants to get the blindest rulings has been Wilkes' chief concern since the day he took the bench as a Clay County judge in 1981 before he became a circuit judge in 1985.

"We will have a judge come in to replace him, but I don't ever think we'll have a judge in Clay County that can fill his shoes," said James Jett, the county's elected clerk. "He has that small-town attitude. When he puts on the robe, he acts the same as when it's off."

Jett said he's been impressed with Wilkes' work ethic. Even when Wilkes is in at 6 a.m., he is known for leaving around 7 p.m. before going home to raise cattle and grow timber on a 460-acre plot near Camp Blanding.

"Some guys like sports cars. I like land," Wilkes said during a recent interview at his office in the Clay County Courthouse. "I just enjoy the work. I go home and this is out of sight, out of mind."

Wilkes grew up in Green Cove Springs before getting his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida as he served in the Navy Reserves. He said he decided to go to the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Ala., on somewhat of a whim. At the time, he said he enjoyed politics and thought being a lawyer would get him closer to the process.

Wilkes graduated from Cumberland in 1968 before finding mentors in lawyers who became partners but are now long dead. He then went to work as the Clay County attorney, something he thought gave him good visibility when he decided to run for county judge in 1980.

At first he thought himself a shoo-in because of his local roots but worry plagued him through the campaign. Getting around to meet voters, he said, showed him how many people he simply didn't know.

"I told my wife, 'We're in serious trouble,'" Wilkes said. "But it turned out all right."

Wilkes will work through the end of the year. Chief Circuit Judge Donald Moran said Don Lester, a juvenile court judge, will be Wilkes' replacement.

Between those moves, there was an election to bring a new judge into the circuit to fill the hole. Family law attorney Mark Hulsey won the race, but he and his opponent, prosecutor Sam Garrison, each said Wilkes' reputation inspired their campaigns.

"He leaves an impression," Hulsey said. "I always thought he was very fair. ... He's a judge of the people."

david.hunt@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4025

Died:
With his family by his side, the Honorable William Arthur Wilkes passed into peace on Friday July 20th 2018 and now rests in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Honorable “Judge” Wilkes was an extremely proud husband, father, Papa, brother, son, uncle and friend. His quick wit, dry sense of humor, and unforgettable smile made the Judge a presence that will be greatly missed.

Judge Wilkes is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Delores, son Joey (Dawn), daughter Kristen (Andy), daughter-in-law Stephanie, father-in-law former Sheriff Otto Jennings Murrhee Jr., six grandchildren Jennings, Anna, Clayton, Harper, Georgia, and Caroline, brother Ronnie Wilkes (Michelle), sister Gail Roberts (Gerald), brother Jim Wilkes (Sherri) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his beloved son William “Scott” Wilkes, his mother Ruth Wilkes, father Floyd Wilkes, and his mother-in-law Georgia Murrhee.

The Judge took most pride in his family and his career. Born in Burlington North Carolina on November 5th 1939, William was the oldest of his siblings.

A resident of Clay County since 1956, William graduated from Clay High in 1958, obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1965, and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of law in January 1968. While in college, William was in the United States Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1969. Judge Wilkes was a graduate of the National Judicial College in Reno Nevada, and a graduate of the Florida State Judicial College.

Judge Wilkes practiced law from 1968-1980 with the firm Anderson, Wilkes, & McAnnally while also serving as the Clay County Attorney from 1973-1980. Elected in 1980 to the bench, he served as Clay County Judge from 1981-1985 and was then appointed to the 4th Judicial Circuit in 1985 and served as Circuit Judge until 2010 when he retired. Judge Wilkes served as administrative Judge in Clay County from January 1988 until his retirement in 2010 and served Duval County in the Juvenile, Civil and Criminal divisions in 1986 and 1987. He continued to serve on the bench as Senior Judge after his retirement until 2015. Judge Wilkes was credited for being an integral part in making the new Clay County Courthouse become a reality.

The Judge was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, founding member and past president of the Clay County Bar Association, the State Association of County Attorneys, member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, member of the Florida Bar Association, and member of the American Bar Association. He was past president and member of the Green Cove Springs Rotary Club and honorary member of the Orange Park Rotary Club. He was a Master Mason, a member of Cabul Lodge #116, Scottish Rite, Clay County Shrine Club and the Royal Order of Jesters Jacksonville Court No. 90, Clay County Children’s Haven, Charter Member of the Chomp & Chop, Clay County Gator Club, and the Clay County Cattlemen’s Association.

Judge Wilkes can be recognized for his many accomplishments and has received awards for his service to others. Judge Wilkes was awarded the Rotary Citizen of the year, the Rotary Paul Harris fellow award, and the Boy Scout Twelve Points of Light Award.

The Judge will be remembered as a man who loved his family, loved the law, loved the Florida Gators, and loved his farm.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at Broadus-Raines Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 26th, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Middleburg, 2645 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068 with Reverend Scott Stanland officiating.

A private interment will be held at Hickory Grove Cemetery on Friday.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Allegro Assisted Living Facility Memory Care Unit Attention: Amanda King 3651 US-17 Fleming Island, FL 32003 for a memorial in honor and memory of Judge William A. Wilkes and his fight against Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

https://www.broadusraines.com/obituary/william-wilkes

William married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Ronnie
• Residence: 1996, Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, USA

Notes:

Died:
Ronald Gordon Wilkes, Sr. 79

(July 20, 1942 - November 14, 2021)

With his family by his side, Ronnie passed into peace on Sunday, November 14, 2021 and now is in the presence of God. Ronnie was born in Burlington, North Carolina on July 20, 1942. In 1955, his family moved to Green Cove Springs, where he graduated from Clay High School in 1960. Ronnie then furthered his education at the University of Florida, ultimately earned his bachelor degree from Jacksonville University, and received his Master’s degree in Education at the University of North Florida.

From 1967-2005, Ronnie served the education system in Clay County as a math teacher, Dean, Assistant Principal, and Vice Principal. Ronnie became the first Vice Principal at Ridgeview Junior High School and then helped open Ridgeview High school. Ronnie was widely respected by students, faculty, and administration during his 39 years of service. Ronnie ended his teaching career at Ridgeview High School as Vice Principal in 2005.

After purchasing property together near Penney farms, Ronnie and his brother William discovered their love for ranching, which they continued together for many years. The same passion for ranching continues with his children Ronnie, Jr., and Meghan. Along with his passion for ranching, Ronnie also enjoyed golf, cooking, and rooting on his beloved Florida Gators. Ronnie was known for his wit, humor, and playful antics.

Ronnie was proceeded in death by his Father Floyd Wilkes, Mother Ruth Wilkes, Brother William Wilkes, Brother James Wilkes and Nephew Scott Wilkes.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Michelle, daughter Meghan Lasher (Kyle), Son Ronnie, Jr. (Leann), Granddaughter Katelyn, Sister Gail Roberts (Gerald), Sister-in-law Delores Wilkes, Sister-in-law Sherri Wilkes, Mother-in-law Nancy Metzger, Sister-in-law LeAnn Matlock (Lemoyne), Brother-in-law Robert J Metzger (Erika), numerous nieces and nephews, and the man he loved like another son, Eugene Jenkins.

Visitation will be at Russell Baptist Church on Thursday, December 2, 2:00, with Services at 3:00, and Reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Haven Foundation, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL, 32606.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

http://www.rhrfh.com/ronald-gordon-wilkes/

Ronald married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Scott

Notes:

Died:
William Scott Wilkes
(August 5, 1979 - July 2, 2011)

William Scott Wilkes, 31, witty, fun, and full of life, entered eternal life with the Lord on July 2, 2011.

Born August, 1979, Scott grew up on Belmore farm in Keystone Heights, graduated from Keystone Heights High School in 1998, and received his Bachelor’s Degree from University of North Florida in construction management.

Scott was employed with E. Vaughn Rivers Construction for nine years and recently received his commercial contractor’s license. Scott loved spending time with his family, friends, and Florida Gator football.

He is predeceased by his grandmother, Georgia Murrhee, who passed away in May, 2011.

Amazing Husband and Father, Scott leaves to this earth his wife of five years, Stephanie; son, Clayton 2 ½, and daughter Harper, 3 months old; his parents, The Honorable William A. and Delores M. Wilkes; grandfather, Jennings Murrhee; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph J. (Joey) and Dawn Wilkes; sister and brother-in-law, Kristen and Dr. Andrew West; nephew, Jennings Wilkes; niece, Anna Wilkes; future niece, Georgia West, due in October, 2011; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and true friends.

The family will receive friends at Broadus-Raines Funeral Home Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Trinity Baptist Church, 2716 SE State Rd. 21, Keystone Heights, FL with Reverend Brad Williams and Reverend Scott Stanland officiating.

Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Green Cove Springs.

The families would like to express their deep gratitude to all of the law enforcement agencies and personnel for their assistance during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shand’s Pediatric Emergency Hospital, c/o Shand’s Health Care, Office of Development, P.O. Box 100386, Gainesville, FL 32610, in memory of William Scott Wilkes, pediatric E.R. or online, www.shandsgiving.org , Children’s Services, in memory of William Scott Wilkes.

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com.

Arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, (904) 284-4000.

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]