Elbert Conway Wilkey

Candler - Elbert Conway Wilkey, 93, formerly of 4 Mayfair Drive, Woodside Hills, Candler, NC passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2006, at Pisgah Manor Health Care Facility, after a period of declining health. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Mr. Wilkey was born in Graham County, NC on January 25, 1913 to the late Frank L. and Bessie Lovin Wilkey. In addition to his parents, his brothers Howard and James Wilkey and infant daughters Kay and Barbara Wilkey preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife of 74 years, Ola Moody Wilkey; daughter, Martha Joan Cook and husband Frank Bud of Asheville; son, RIck C. Wilkey and wife Connie of Castle Rock, CO; brother, Blake Wilkey and wife Helen Louise of Robbinsville, NC. Other family survivors include grandchildren; Daniel K. Cook and wife Teresa of Asheville, Richard E. Wilkey and special friend Shelley McNeil of Liberty, SC, Kimberly Owens and husband Dallas of Liberty, SC and Sarah Perez and husband Santos of Easley, SC. His five great grandchildren are Wyatt Owens, Bailey and Andrew Cook and Matteo and Marco Perez. Mr. Wilkey retired from the USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina Supervisors Office in Asheville after 37 years of service. He started his Forest Service career through the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) program in Robbinsville, NC and continued to do land surveying after his retirement. He had a great love for trains. As a young man Elbert Wilkey worked with his father on the railroad in the Snowbird Community of Graham County. He helped build the last logging railroad in Western North Carolina, and just before his retirement from the Forest Service, he built the trestle for the steam engine of display at the Cradle of Forestry in the Pink Beds. Mr. Wilkey was a member of Westwood Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and member of the building committee. He had a love for woodworking and his family. The family will receive friends at Anders-Rice Funeral Home, 1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC from 12:30 to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 23. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. with Dr. Carson Moseley officiating. Burial will be in Pisgah View Memorial Park. The family would like to express special thanks and appreciation to the staff of Pisgah Manor Health Care Facility and Pisgah Villa Assisted Living for their loving care of Elbert. A very special thanks to Dr. David wells for his care and concern. Flowers will be appreciated but it is suggested memorials be made to Eliada Home for Children, P.O. Box 16708, Asheville, NC 28816.