Ben Wilkes

Benson Smarr "Ben" Wilkes, age 82, of 925 Barber Shop Road, Unadilla, died Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Atrium Health-Navicent in Macon.

He was born in Hawkinsville on December 19, 1942 to the late W. C. Wilkes and Catherine Smarr Wilkes.  In 1960, he graduated from Hawkinsville High School and extended his education at Middle Georgia College.  Ben was an outstanding athlete.  He played football, baseball, golf, pool and tennis, in which he won numerous championships.  He was also an avid bird hunter and fisherman.  He took great pride in Indian memorabilia and arrowhead collecting.  He loved sharing stories of all his prized possessions with everyone he met.

Ben was a valued employee and supervisor for the Georgia Department of Agriculture and retired after 35 years of service.  In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and poker with friends at Southern Hills in Hawkinsville.

Survivors include: Wife of 61 years:  Joyce J. Wilkes of Unadilla

Daughters: Dana Wilkes of Jonesboro Caron Windham of Cordele

Grandsons: Matthew Windham (Anna) of Waynesville, NC Joshua Windham of Marietta

Great Granddaughter:  Madelyn Windham of Waynesville, NC

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jonathan Windham and his brother and sister-in-law, Chester and Juanita Wilkes.

Friends are invited to honor Ben's life at a memorial service to be held at 2 PM Monday, December 30 at the cabin behind the family residence, 925 Barber Shop Road, Unadilla.  Rev. Mark White will officiate and a eulogy will be offered by Neil Joiner.

The family will greet friends after the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Harmony-Smyrna Cemetery Fund, c/o Tammy Cross, 2194 Vienna Highway, Pineview, Georgia 31071 or the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231.

His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.