WILKERSON, Ray Langley

Black’s Show Low Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona Ray Langley Wilkerson (December 7, 1928 - January 11, 2014) Ray Langley Wilkerson, 85, passed away on January 11, 2014 at his residence in Lakeside, Arizona. Dad was born on December 7, 1928 in San Bernandino, CA. He was raised in Kansas on a farm. Dad had a brother Roy who was in the Marines and was killed on the Island Peleliu during World War II. His sister Elsie passed away in 2009. He is survived by 2 Sisters; Evalucille and Georgette. Dad went into the US Army at the age of 17. He married the love of his life, June Corrick Simon in 1947. He worked for American Bridge US Steele and they traveled across the United States. Together they had 5 children; Christine, Gladi, Roy, Laura & Ray. They adopted the twins, Susan & Sarah, their grandchildren, the year they retired. Adopting the twins started a whole new life and new adventures in Lakeside, AZ. They lived next door to their lifelong friend, Roy Cabalero. This is where they called home for 29 years. His beloved wife, our mother, passed away 11 years ago after a 3 year battle with cancer. Dad lovingly took care of her until her passing in 2002. At that time Dad’s very good friend Joe bought him a companion, his very loyal and faithful dog April. It was love at first sight and from that moment on April never left Dad’s side. Dad was honest, fearless and forthright. He was a true patriot and loved his country. He was proud to be an American in every sense of the word. Dad made friends everywhere he went and will forever be loved and missed.