William A. Wilkes

With his family by his side, the Honorable William Arthur Wilkes passed into peace on Friday July 20th 2018 and now rests in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Honorable “Judge” Wilkes was an extremely proud husband, father, Papa, brother, son, uncle and friend. His quick wit, dry sense of humor, and unforgettable smile made the Judge a presence that will be greatly missed. Judge Wilkes is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Delores, son Joey (Dawn), daughter Kristen (Andy), daughter-in-law Stephanie, father-in-law former Sheriff Otto Jennings Murrhee Jr., six grandchildren Jennings, Anna, Clayton, Harper, Georgia, and Caroline, brother Ronnie Wilkes (Michelle), sister Gail Roberts (Gerald), brother Jim Wilkes (Sherri) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his beloved son William “Scott” Wilkes, his mother Ruth Wilkes, father Floyd Wilkes, and his mother-in-law Georgia Murrhee. The Judge took most pride in his family and his career. Born in Burlington North Carolina on November 5th 1939, William was the oldest of his siblings. A resident of Clay County since 1956, William graduated from Clay High in 1958, obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1965, and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of law in January 1968. While in college, William was in the United States Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1969. Judge Wilkes was a graduate of the National Judicial College in Reno Nevada, and a graduate of the Florida State Judicial College. Judge Wilkes practiced law from 1968-1980 with the firm Anderson, Wilkes, & McAnnally while also serving as the Clay County Attorney from 1973-1980. Elected in 1980 to the bench, he served as Clay County Judge from 1981-1985 and was then appointed to the 4th Judicial Circuit in 1985 and served as Circuit Judge until 2010 when he retired. Judge Wilkes served as administrative Judge in Clay County from January 1988 until his retirement in 2010 and served Duval County in the Juvenile, Civil and Criminal divisions in 1986 and 1987. He continued to serve on the bench as Senior Judge after his retirement until 2015. Judge Wilkes was credited for being an integral part in making the new Clay County Courthouse become a reality. The Judge was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, founding member and past president of the Clay County Bar Association, the State Association of County Attorneys, member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, member of the Florida Bar Association, and member of the American Bar Association. He was past president and member of the Green Cove Springs Rotary Club and honorary member of the Orange Park Rotary Club. He was a Master Mason, a member of Cabul Lodge #116, Scottish Rite, Clay County Shrine Club and the Royal Order of Jesters Jacksonville Court No. 90, Clay County Children’s Haven, Charter Member of the Chomp & Chop, Clay County Gator Club, and the Clay County Cattlemen’s Association. Judge Wilkes can be recognized for his many accomplishments and has received awards for his service to others. Judge Wilkes was awarded the Rotary Citizen of the year, the Rotary Paul Harris fellow award, and the Boy Scout Twelve Points of Light Award. The Judge will be remembered as a man who loved his family, loved the law, loved the Florida Gators, and loved his farm. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at Broadus-Raines Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 26th, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Middleburg, 2645 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068 with Reverend Scott Stanland officiating. A private interment will be held at Hickory Grove Cemetery on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Allegro Assisted Living Facility Memory Care Unit Attention: Amanda King 3651 US-17 Fleming Island, FL 32003 for a memorial in honor and memory of Judge William A. Wilkes and his fight against Dementia with Lewy Bodies.