John Covington Wilkinson was born August 26, 1942, and died July 25, 2017, at Merit Health River Region.

He was an active firefighter for 32 years with the Vicksburg Fire Department rising through the ranks to Assistant Chief and was a six-year veteran of the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Harper and Myrtle Gillis Wilkinson.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Irene Boa Wilkinson; his children, Jaclyn Wilkinson (Brian) Morgan, Andy (Kristy) Wilkinson of Vicksburg and Renee Wilkinson of Florence; six grandchildren, Wesley (Katie) Wilkinson of Pearl, Andrew Wilkinson, Conner Wilkinson, Kathryn Wilkinson, Dalton Morgan and Macie Morgan, all of Vicksburg; one great-grandchild, Brody Wilkinson of Pearl; brother, Herb (Faye) Wilkinson of Vicksburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 31, at Riles Funeral Home with Brother John Evans, Pastor of Bovina United Methodist Church officiating. 

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the hour of the service Monday.

Memorials may be made to the Bovina United Methodist Church.