BELLEVIEW, FLA. – Martin Yongue Wilkes Jr. of Belleview, Fla., passed away at home on Sept. 18. He was born in Winnsboro, S.C. on Feb. 27, 1927. He attended Mt. Zion Institute and right after graduation joined the Navy and served from 1944-1946. He graduated from the University of the Florida School of Pharmacy and pursued that career for 40 years. He lived in Alaska, and Chapin and Winnsboro, S.C. before moving to Florida six years ago. Before retiring from the S.C. Department of Corrections, he was involved in many ministries. He was a Hospice Volunteer, conducted a Sunday Service in Prosperity, S.C.; active in the Chapin UMC and a Lay Speaker; became a professional Gospel Clown, known as “Bubba;” and ordained by The Missionary Church, Intnl. as a Regional Bishop. Retirement only extended his mission work. It covered many states and countries including Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Ukraine and Costa Rica. As VP of Outreach Ministries, he helped establish Mission houses in Costa Rica for short term missionaries, feeding programs, and a Therapy Clinic, “Mas que un Amigo.” After 18 years Costa Rica is still an ongoing project.
He was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Lucille Acker Wilkes and granddaughter, Stephanie Wilkes. He is survived by his wife, “Tiki” Leticia Kern Wilkes, and his children, Lynn Labry, Patty and Ed Montgomery, Steve Wilkes, Martin and Fay Wilkes, Alvin Wilkes, Donna and Michael Marlowe, Julia and
Robert Thomas, and Michael and Miriam Redmond; 11 grandchildren and eight great grands. Siblings are Joe Wilkes, Carl Wilkes and wife Kathie, and Julia Hungerpiller; all of S.C. A memorial service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. with Bishop Bob Coulter presiding on Oct. 29.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Outreach Ministries; 5035 SE 108th St.; Belleview Fla., 34420.
