Harold George Wilkinson

Wilkinson, Harold George "Hal" age 94, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away peacefully in his home on
Lower Bell Creek Road on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 with his family and his precious caregivers by his
side. Only a few months shy of his 95th year on this side of Heaven, Hal's unwavering selflessness,
kindness, and dapper intelligence truly left a lasting imprint for all who had the blessing of meeting or
knowing him. Mr. Wilkinson was born on September 17, 1928 in Platteville, Wisconsin to Lansford and
Martha (Tindell) Wilkinson and was the second eldest of 11 children; sisters Ruth (Glenn) Brotzman,
Dorothy Ann, Donnie (Carol) Wilkinson, Gary "Skip" (Kathleen) Wilkinson, Carolyn (John) Werner, Mary
(Richard) Lee, Joe (Toni) Wilkinson, Jim (Carol) Wilkinson, Martha (Robert) Hickman, and Emma
(Clarence, Jr.) Scharpf. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his wife Mrs. Ethelda
Gribble Wilkinson, first wife Dottie Wilkinson, sisters Ruth, Dorothy, & Carolyn, his brothers Donnie, Gary
& Jim, as well as a number of siblings' spouses, nieces and nephews.
Surviving Mr. Wilkinson are his siblings Mary, Martha, Emma, & Joe all of Illinois, his two step daughters
(his gals), Linda (Harold) Ingram of Young Harris, GA, & Joyce Rogers of Hiawassee, GA, three step
grandchildren, Mandilyn (Chuck) Moore, Jade Moss, & Jentry (Josh) Taylor all of Hiawassee, and four
step great grandchildren, JD, Jaxi Jule, Gunner and -unborn- baby boy Taylor. Hal is also survived by
many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and even a few great, great nieces and nephews.
Mr. Wilkinson was truly blessed with a life full of impactful experiences and accomplishments as well as
adapting through progressions in history and advancements in time that are truly remarkable. Hal served
in the United States Air Force during WWII from 1946-1949, as a Decontaminating Chemical Operator
where he recieved the WWII Victory Medal as well as other awards. After his time in service he then
attended Pilot School with aid from the GI BIll to recieve both his Commercial and Private pilot license,
soon becoming a Captain with Delta Airlines where he maintained his career from 1956-1988.
Throughout his career, Mr. Wilkinson Captained countless both domestic and international flights at the
height of many public figures' careers including The Beatles, professional sports teams including the
Braves (both as Milwaukee and Atlanta), Muhammad Ali, and other public figures. Hal was an avid sports
fan and devoted several years to coaching youth sports leagues, and always made it a priority to treat
his beloved Mother to her favorite baseball teams' games, the Cubs at Fenway Park. Mr. Wilkinson
retired from Delta, and in his retirement years you would most likely find him on a golfcourse with his
retired buddies or traveling. In his later years he enjoyed spending his days treating his wife Ethelda to
lunch and dinner at their favorite eateries almost everyday of the week and making precious memories
with his friends and family to last a lifetime. Mr. Wilkinson was a Mason and Shriner and upheld those
responsibilties with pride and integrity.
Services will be held in Hiawassee, GA at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home on Monday, June 12. Family
will accept visitors from 11-12 and funeral memorial service following at 12pm. Interment will follow
service at Lower Bell Creek Cemetery where Mr. Wilkinson's ashes will be laid to rest next to his beloved
wife, Ethelda. Banister-Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and Reverend Dannie Reed
will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hal's remembrance to your local Shriner's or Masonic
Organization or Lower Bell Creek Cemetery.
The family appreciates the prayers, love, and support from our community beyond words, and would like
to extend extra gratitude to their wonderful 24 hour caregiving team for loving and caring for Hal and his
beloved Ethelda right until they both left us Earthside.