William E. Wilkes Sr. was born on July 2, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of the late William and Louise Wilkes. Due to illness on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, William fell asleep in death.

At an early age, William moved to Akron, Ohio where he attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from South High School in 1967 after high school William joined the military and served in the U. S. Army 82 Airbourne Division.

Later, William went to school to learn a trade in plumbing and pipe fitting. He really enjoyed his job! He worked at Akron University for years as a plumber and pipefitter. Later, becoming the Union Stewart until his health failed and he could no longer work at his trade. William retired in 2004.

In 1974, William married Stephanie and from this union two sons were born Dion Wilkes and William Wilkes Jr.
Later, William married Lisa where they shared in raising Myron.

William was affectionately known as ‘Billy’ by his siblings and close friends. He was loving and humorous and had a laugh that was contagious.

William loved spending time with his children and his family. He looked forward to our yearly picnics at the park eating and having fun with his children, sibling’s, nieces, and nephews. He also enjoyed traveling with his family. He especially enjoyed being in Vegas with his brother Gary. William loved grilling he was known for his Billy burgers and dogs. William loved music and he also loved to play chess whenever he got a chance.

William was preceded in death by brothers, Rufus Frederick Wilkes, and Brian Wilkes.

William leaves to cherish his memory loving sons, Dion (Tierre) Wilkes, William Wilkes Jr, Myron Austin; sisters, Carolyn (Alvin) Jacobs, Sharon Smith; brothers, Dr. Gary (Angela) Wilkes, Kenneth (Lynn) Wilkes, Joel (Deborah) Wilkes; one grandson, Dion Wilkes Jr. and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.