Herman Clemmons “Clem” Wilkins, 91, of Callao passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 with his family at his side. A life-long resident of Callao, Clem was the son of the late Herman George Wilkins and Elsie Brown Wilkins. He was the beloved husband of June Dawson Wilkins, with whom he enjoyed sixty-three years of marriage. Clem was a Lineman and eventually a supervisor for Virginia Power where he retired after 34 years of service. Herman was also a proud veteran of the United States Army.
Surviving Clem are his wife, his sons: Barry Clemmons Wilkins (Darlene) and Roger George Wilkins (Stacey) and his daughter Sharon W. France (Mark). He is also survived by his brother Harold Ray Wilkins (Virginia Mae); his sister Esther Wilkins Haynie; his six grandchildren: Shawn France (Sarah), Jessica Murray (Ross), Joshua Wilkins, Rachael Hand (Patrick), Sawyer Wilkins and Bailey Wilkins; and his six great-grandchildren: Declan France, Drake France, Pierce Murray, Haden Murray, Brayden Wilkins, and Ella Hand. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of his life. Clem was a true family man.
Clem dearly loved his church, Bethany Baptist. He served as a deacon there for over fifty years, was the Bethany cemetery sexton and served as the Sunday School secretary as well. He also loved to be outside and his outdoor talents were numerous. He grew a fantastic garden and fed his family as well as many in the community with his delicious home-grown vegetables. He adored Purple Martins and attracted many of them to his yard with the houses he made for them.
A private funeral will be held for Clem at Bethany Baptist Church and a memorial to celebrate his life will be held at a date to be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you honor Clem’s deep love for his church by making a donation in his name to the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 641, Callao, VA 22435.