Herbert Wilkey, Jr.

Herbert Wilkey, known to his classmates and family as "Bo" was born in Colleton County on June 22, 1934, to the late Herbert and Carrie Bell Wilkey. On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, God called his son, faithful servant, Herbert Wilkey home.

He attended the public schools of Colleton County. After graduation, he joined the United States Army 11th Airborne. He was awarded the Parachute Badge among other awards to become an Airborne Soldier. After his tour of duties for his country, he moved to New York City where he met the love of life, Susan A. Coaxum of Moncks Corner, South Carolina. On December 28, 1958, Herbert and Susan were joined in holy matrimony. They had sixty-three years of marital bliss.

Herbert joined the New York City Police Department where he walked his beat in the streets of New York City. After twelve years, he decided one day that he had enough of riding horses and fighting crime and changed careers.

He spent twenty-five years working for MABSTOA where he retired. After retirement, He decided to move back home to South Carolina. He returned to work after being home bored and in his garden. He worked ten more years as a Bailiff in the Colleton County Courthouse for The Colleton County Sheriff Department.

Later on in life, Herbert accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He was a faithful member of St. Peters A.M.E. Church in Walterboro, South Carolina where he held many positions. He was a member of the Usher Board, Steward Board, Prison Ministry and Male Choir.

Herbert was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a longtime member of The Masonic Order, a well renowned chef who loved to cook, an adamant reader, played golf well, fishing for sport, which he loved, and also loved to scrabble the words in the daily newspaper.

Herbert's friends called him Muhammad Ali. His memories will live forever, not only was he a hard-working man of God; he was a resilient father to his children and a father to many.

He was preceded in death by his son, Herbie T. Wilkey; his sisters, Ethel Gathers, Gladys Mitchell; brothers, Alvin Barnhill, Thomas Wilkey, Larry Wilkey, and Ralph Wilkey.

He leaves to cherish his  memories, his loving wife, Susan Coaxum Wilkey; his four children, Katherine Wilkey,  Layola Wilkey,  Wanda Wilkey, and  Pamela Wilkey Taitt (Derrick); four grandchildren, Azium Epps, Danielle Taitt, Tyler Wilkey and Nicholas Wilkey; his sisters, Faye Walters and Celestine Bazzell (Bobby); his brothers, Harvey Williams, and Lethonia Burns; sisters-in-law, Ruth Wilkey, Edna Wilkey, Elizabeth Oliver and Elizabeth Coaxum; brothers-in-law, Jack Mitchell, Frank Coaxum and Elder Johnnie D. Coaxum and a host of nieces and nephews whom  he held close to his heart; his relatives whom  he held in high regards with all his love; special grand niece, Melva J. Joy; his special cousin, Howard Wilson AKA "Possum,";  Charlie Mack, his best man in his wedding; to all of the St. Peters Church family, he loved you all.

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