Guy J. Wilkerson

Guy J. (Jackson) Wilkerson, 85, of Bentonville died July 24, 2013, at Circle of Life at Legacy Village in Bentonville. He was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Brightwater Community to the late Columbus "Clum" Wolford and Bettie (Ross) Wilkerson. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving with Battery A of the 936th Field Artillery of the Arkansas Army National Guard. Upon his return, he was a member of Battery A of the 1st Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery of the Arkansas Army National Guard, where he served as 1st sergeant of the guard unit for many years and was promoted to command sergeant major (CSM) before he retired in 1990. He returned to do paperwork for the guardsmen in 1991 as the Bentonville unit was activated to Desert Storm. Guy was a lifetime resident of Benton County residing in Bentonville for over 54 years where he was a longtime active member of the First United Methodist Church and Kiwanis (over 50 years). He was very instrumental in the Kiwanis food drive at Christmas time until last year when he retired from it. Guy was Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 52 for 32 years and was active in scouting for over 50 years. He was a well-known member of the community and devoted public servant. In 2012, Guy was recognized by the city of Bentonville as an Outstanding Citizen. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Leola G. Wilkerson, whom he married on Jan. 3, 1951; two sons, Kenneth Wilkerson of Tennessee, and Merlin Wilkerson and wife, Cindy, of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Mary Jean Creech of Rogers and Sarah Edna Key of Fresno, Calif.; four grandchildren, Jake, Billy, Emily and Mason, all of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be Saturday, July 27, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Bentonville First United Methodist Church, with a service to follow at 2 p.m., officiated by Rex Dickey and David Ruehr. Burial will be at Benton County Memorial Park following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72764; or charity of your choice.