R.W. Wilkins, Jr., 86, passed away on June 17, 2024 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Life Center in Wilmington. He was born on April 15, 1938 in Lumberton, NC to Rwood and Mildred Parnell Wilkins. He graduated from Littlefield High School and Selina Business School and went on to work as a banker, farmer, and public servant in Governor Jim Hunt's administrations. He retired from public work at the age of 70 then became very active with the Baptist Men supporting numerous disaster relief efforts all over the United States.

R.W.'s passion for farming and investing in the people of Robeson County was evident in everything he did, and he relished helping a good candidate get elected. R.W. once said, "I love getting a good man and getting out there and seeing if you can make him a winner." R.W. spent countless hours raising campaign funds for leaders he admired like Skipper Boles and Jim Hunt. At the age of 39, President Jimmy Carter appointed RW to the position of Chairman of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service state committee, the committee responsible for administering all federal farm programs in North Carolina. He also served as the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in Jim Hunt's first administration. He was deeply committed to his church (Hyde Park Baptist) and volunteering to support disaster relief efforts with the Baptist Men of North Carolina.

R.W. was predeceased by his brother, Mike Wilkins, and his sister, Juanita Wilkins Meares (Charlie).

R.W. is survived by his brother, Jimmy Lee Wilkins (Daryl); his sister, Faye Wilkins Hovis (Leon); his daughter, Sheila Wilkins Boone (Stephen); and his granddaughters, Graceanne Wilkins Boone and Caroline Wilkins Boone.

R.W. was known for his love of the Smith's Community and the people of Robeson County. He was admired by all who knew him well, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday June 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hyde Park Baptist Church, 301 N. Roberts Avenue in Lumberton, NC with Pastor Jeff Blackburn officiating.

The family will receive condolences at the front of the church immediately after the celebration of R.W.'s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baptists on Mission, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.