In Loving Memory Of
Charles Russell Wilkins Jr

This page is a tribute to my dad

Born: January 25, 1927 ///// Died: April 1, 1997

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania

This was one of Dad's favorite songs
It is the song playing, the words are below.

"This is my Father's World"

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought,
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Let me tell you a little about him..

Dad served in the Navy at the end of World War II. He visited Japan during his tour of duty. While there he bought a set of Noritaki China. After his time in the service, he met and married Dorothy Butler. He told her he would give her his love, his money, but not his china..this was always a big joke between my parents. He loved my mom very much..Oh, he allowed her to use them on special occasions..

Dad had several jobs during the first few years of their marriage. Then came his big break, a job at the Philadelphia National Bank. When he first went to work at the bank, he was a teller. He did not like that to much, but stuck it out. He then moved into the bookeeping department... from there he went to the American Institute of Banking, where he learned programming. He found something he really liked and was good at. Dad retired from the bank after 29 years of service

Mom and Dad were married for 7 years before I came along and another 5 years passed before my sister arrived. All I can say...Is that he loved us very very much and was a good father to us.

Dad retired in 1989..they moved to Pensacola Fla. in 1990..after a short time his health started to fail..he had several heart attacks that led to a 4 way bypass in August of 1994. While on the operating table his Aorta ruptured and the Dr.s had to make him a new one. In all reality he should have died...but the Lord is good, and spared his life. He spent 3 months in the hospital during this time his kidneys failed, and had to go on Hemo Dialysis..3 times a week for the rest of his life. He did not mind, Dad always said the lord has a purpose in all that happens. Mom and Dad were able to visit Philadelphia one more time in 1996...this was the last time Dad would actually see some of his friends.

Inspite of his health problems, Dad taught a Sunday School class at his church and attended faithfully. Daddy witnessed to everyone he met in one way or another, either verbally or thru his actions.

Daddy was hospitalized again in February of 1997, the Dr.s saw little hope...but again he came home and got to meet his future grandson-in law.

Daddy went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 1997. He had led a full life and we will miss him. If there is one thing I can still do for my Dad. It would be to tell you about the Lord.

Even tho Dad is gone it is comforting to know that he is in heaven. He was not scared to die, because of his trust and faith in God. You to can know the Lord as your personal Savoir. Just ask the Lord to come into your life and admit that you are a sinner, and ask for forgiveness.