William Wilkie

Fletcher – William Edward Wilkie, 79, entered the presence of his Precious Savior on November 15, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

William (Ed) was a native of Henderson County. He was born to Clarence and Doniva Wilkie on April 8, 1943. He was a graduate of the first graduating class of West Henderson High School in 1961. There, he met the love of his life, Lorene Rhodes and went on to have four children, Sophia, Michele, Eddie, and Jeff.

Ed and Lorene celebrated 61 years of marriage on November 11, 2022. The love he had for her was absolutely unfailing and unmeasureable.

He was a remarkable man, a hard worker, retiring from General Electric after 40 years, a great provider to his family, a tremendous support in every aspect. He was involved with West Henderson Youth Football for many years.

He was always present at his children and grandkids ball games cheering them on, telling you to do your best, always do better, work harder, and do all you do for the Glory of God. He served as a deacon at Ebenezer Baptist Church for many years, as well as teaching Sunday School at Ebenezer and Biltmore Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 19. God gifted Ed with an amazing ability to understand God’s Word. He had and unwavering faith in God and was a constant prayer warrior. When Ed prayed, you knew he was accessing God’s throne. God was always first in his life.

He was an incredible man. He had an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with everyone he met. Ed was a friend you could count on at anytime.

He was the most amazing man to all who knew him. He was a man with many qualities. He was always respectful, tender, kind, grateful, humble, a protector, honest, devoted, and inspirational.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved being involved with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved his family. He loved his brother and sisters. He was told he had less than a week to live November 9, 2022. His response was, “This is a gift, I get to tell my family bye.” “I’m going to see God, I’m going to kneel and worship.”

During this last week, he was at The Elizabeth House. During this time, he was able to see everyone in his family and many friends. Everyone that came made his day, he told each one how good God is, he loved and appreciated them. Everyone who lovingly took care of him said, “We tried to encourage him but we’re the ones encouraged!” Anyone who knew Ed was blessed with enriched lives. He was precious to everyone, but to his family there are no words to adequately describe the man he was. On this side of eternity we can never thank God enough for blessing our family with such a wonderful man.

Ed was so thankful for The Elizabeth House, as well as his family. He said, “This place is wonderful! They’ve took great care of me!” The family wants to say how grateful we are to each and everyone that provided such loving, tender, compassionate care for our loved one. There are simply no words.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Wilkie, his mother, Doniva Dalton Wilkie, sisters, Elfrida Jones and Barbara Gosnell and a brother, Bruce Wilkie.

Ed is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Lorene Rhodes Wilkie of Fletcher; daughters, Sophia Fowler (Tony) and Michele King (Steve), sons, William Edward (Eddie) Wilkie (LaShea) and Jeff Wilkie (Shawna) all of Fletcher; grandchildren, Nicholas Fowler (Cara), Jennifer Maxwell (Tye), Krystofer King, Kelly King, Roger King (Sonya), Kacie Young (Jason), Chandler Wilkie, Anna Wilkie, Lauren Wilkie, Mary Grace Wilkie, Dylan Wilkie (Shelby), Jaika Hill (Daniel), and Shakinley Garren (Chandler); great-grandchildren, Raylyn Wilkie, Aria Wilkie, Navy Wilkie, Colton Hill, Jenson Hill, Tallon Hill, Lawson Hill, Paisley Garren, Waylon Maxwell; brother, Doug Wilkie of Hendersonville; sisters, Virginia Jones (Calvin) of Zirconia and Wanda Hunt of Hendersonville, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Mills Gap Baptist Church, with Reverend Jeff Wilkie officiating. Burial will follow at Hoopers Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 prior to the funeral.

The family request in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice “Angel Fund”, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home is Honored to serve the Wilkie family.