Herbert Ira Wilkins

AIKEN - Herbert (Herb) Ira Wilkins, 82, passed on Nov. 19, 2011 in Aiken Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer since 1997. After 63 years of marriage he is survived by his wife Gale and their three children - Jeryl and husband Randy Peebles, Janice and husband Jon Silverburg, son Jerry and wife Brenda who are the parents of the grandchildren, Cody and Paula Wilkins. A native of Tennessee, Herbert is the son of the late Berkley and Girle Wilkins. He is also survived by three sisters; Virginia Martin and Dora Rivers of Tennessee, and Fey Allen of Florida. Herbert was a SRP and Westinghouse employee from 1952 until full retirement. One of his greatest joys was working in his garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. With his welding and maintenance experience, he was a Mr.-Fix-It for many people, always ready to help with projects. He enjoyed traveling, visiting every state but two, and made a few trips abroad. He treasured his coffee drinking friends immensely. He supported Relay of Life and his grandchildren honored him by actively participating in Relay for Life events each year. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and watching them grow up. The body will be cremated with private family gatherings later. The family will welcome friends for visitation at SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The family has suggest memorials be made to the Savannah River Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 3694, Aiken, SC 29802. Mr. Wilkins' online guest book may be signed at www.shellbhouseriversfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Herbert Ira Wilkins, please visit our flower store.