Harold Ropp Wilkerson

Harold Ropp Wilkerson, 85, of Salem, VA passed away, Monday, September 24, 2012. He was born October 25, 1926 in Roanoke, VA son of the late Jasper E. and Ella Phillippi Wilkerson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Vern E. Lane. Mr. Wilkerson retired from the VA Medical Center after 43 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy WWII Veteran and was a survivor of the U.S.S. Franklin CV-13. He loved to play golf, enjoyed watching football and attended and supported First United Methodist Church in Salem. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Wade Wilkerson; son, Jesse Franklin Wilkerson and wife, Darlene; daughter, Deborah Wilkerson; step-children, Sharon Perry and husband, Chris, Stephen Douglas Lacey, Jr. and Suzanne L. Laruffa and husband, Whitney; grandchildren, Lisa Dobbins and husband, Todd, Matthew Perry and Jacob Perry; and one great-grandson, Easton Dobbins; number of nieces and nephews; and brothers-in-law, Carl Wade and wife, Judy and Dr. Asher Wade and wife, Naomie. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at East Hill Cemetery, Salem with Rev. Stephen Bray officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Friday, September 28, 2012 at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. The family would like to thank all the staff of VVCC and Good Samaritan Hospice for their loving care of Harold. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a veterans organization of your choice. 540-389-5441