C.M. "Jack" Wilkerson passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family at Hospice of East Texas on Monday, January 23 at around 7:20 AM.  Jack was the son of Harold B. Wilkerson and Flossie Beard Wilkerson and was born June 26, 1927 in Huntington West Virginia.  Jack attended public schools in Huntington and after lying about his age, joined the navy at age 17.

            After the military, Jack moved to Tyler in the early 1940's where he met Dona Williams who later became his soul mate and wife. They were married December 2, 1949. 

            Jack Wilkerson was a great, loving and devoted husband and a wonderful father to his two children.  He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and later his great grandchildren.  Jack played a large part in teaching his entire family about all aspects of life and was a first class example of how to be a good man, a great person and most importantly how a man should take care of his family.

            Jack started his career at A.F. Thompson Heater Company but quickly realized  he was a true entrepreneur. He went on to start and own several business's in Tyler including the first automatic car wash, one of the first public golf driving ranges, a miniature golf course and was one of the first, if not the first, to introduce Tyler to self service gasoline. 

            Later in Jack's life he became a Real Estate broker and spent many years buying and selling houses and property in Smith County.  Along with a partner, Jack helped develop Cambridge Estates in South Tyler.

            Somewhere along the way Jack fell in love with the game of golf and as many Golfers understand, it became a passion for him.  Jack was the Club Champion at Willow Brook Country Club four times. He also won the Texas Left-Handed Golf Championship in Seguin, six times.  His old golfing buddy, A.J. Trigs who played many rounds and hours with Jack, said that " Jack Wilkerson had more guts in the game than any player  he had ever known and that Jack had the best short game of any player that he had ever seen including amateur and professional golfers"  Because Jack was a left handed player or a "southpaw", he was affectionately referred to by his friends as "the paw".

            Jack is survived by Dona Wilkerson, his wife of 62 years; one son, Alan Wilkerson and his wife, Kathy; and one daughter, Patricia Worsham and husband David .  He is also survived by his Grandchildren, Jonathan Wilkerson, Heather Wilkerson Shuck and husband, Jason; Clint Goldwater and Brian Goldwater and wife, Emily.  Jack leaves behind three Great Grandchildren, Hunter Franks, Kathryn Goldwater and Jagger Shuck. Jack also is survived by one brother, Bobby Wilkerson and wife, Billie, brother-in-law JC Williams and his wife Rachael, along with many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased in death by his parents and three brothers, Raymond Wilkerson, Fred Wilkerson and Howard Wilkerson. 

            Services for Jack Wilkerson will be held Wednesday at 1:30 at Burks Walker Tippit funeral home with Pastor Otis Naron officiating and Rev. Paul Campbell assisting.  Visitation will be Tuesday 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

            Pallbearers will be Sam Lowe, Rusty Lowe, Keith Tanner, Chuck Lawrence, Harry McKnight and Jason Shuck.  Honorary pallbearers are A.J. Triggs, Chad Hanna, Paul Campbell and Jimmy Wynne.

            The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at Mother Frances Hospital, The Hospice of East Texas and especially Dr. John Scroggins for his patience and years of quality health care that he gave to Jack.

             In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation or Light House for the Blind.