Lee Wilkins Obituary

Lee Daniel Wilkins, affectionately known to many as "Puggy," was born on October 19, 1939, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Josephine Glenn Wilkins and the late Daniel Wilkins. He received his formal education in the Spartanburg County school system, where the foundations of his character and work ethic were firmly established. Lee dedicated numerous years of steadfast service as a paver with both the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the State Highway Department. His commitment to excellence and diligence in his craft left a lasting impression on colleagues and the communities he helped build, one road at a time. A spirited storyteller and man of wisdom, Lee found joy in the simplicity of fishing and the nostalgia of Westerns. A former softball coach, he not only enjoyed the game, but also delighted, himself in mentoring and encouraging others. He possessed a larger-than-life personality, opinionated, passionate, and never hesitant to speak his truth. His voice was often the loudest in the room, not only because of its volume, but because of the depth of humor, honesty, and heart it carried. Conversations with Lee were memorable, animated, and always infused with laughter. With a signature preference for neutral tones in his attire, Lee carried himself with understated distinction. He was a devoted and active member of Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church, where he found strength and joy in worship and community. His service in the Deacon's Ministry, alongside his heartfelt contributions to the All-Male Choir, the Senior Choir, and the Rock of Ages ensemble, reflected his unwavering faith and love for sacred music and fellowship. His spiritual presence was one of reverence, commitment, and genuine devotion. Lee was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his beloved son, Robert Lee Wilkins; grandson, Andreas Wilkins; sisters, Sylvennia Wilkins, Sara Jane Wilkins, and Catherine Thomas; and brothers, Dewhit Wilkins and John W. Wilkins. He leaves to cherish his loving memory to his devoted wife, Silinda Hester Smith Wilkins of the home; sons, Timothy Wilkins of Detroit, Michigan, Kristopher (Lenya L.) Wilkins of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, Anthony (Bettina) Wilkins of Campobello, South Carolina, and Kelvin Farr of Campobello, South Carolina; daughters, Teresa Wilkins of the home, Teresa (Walter) Abrams of Green Creek, North Carolina, Edna Jackson of Inman, South Carolina, Sharon (Sammy) Petty of Green Creek, North Carolina, and Donya (Wayne) Gaffney of Spartanburg, South Carolina; brothers, Isaac (Jackie) Wilkins and Noah (Sandra) Wilkins, both of Wellford, South Carolina; sisters, Hattie W. Jones and Emma Coleman, both of Boiling Springs, South Carolina; grandchildren, Hakeem (India) Fuller, Domenec (Paige) Fuller, Rajee Wilkins, Tanaja Wilkins, Aleaha Wilkins, Jamie Means, Anthony Wilkins, Omarion Farr, Tyler Wilkins, Timothy Murphy, Asha Bradley, Isaiah Wilkins, Regginald (Angelina) Fuller, and Xavier Wilkins; great-grandchildren, Alijah Fuller, Haydan DeYoung-Fuller, Ahmari Williams, Rylande Fuller, Kaimoni Wilkins, Emmie Means, Maliegha Murphy, Makenzie Murphy, and Makayla Fowler; along with a host of other beloved relatives, extended family, church members, and dear friends. His life was a song of strength, laughter, service, and unwavering love, a melody that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. He passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 3, 2025. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.