Billy Joe Wilkinson

Billy Joe Wilkinson

Billy Joe Wilkinson, 79, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was the best husband, father and grandfather ever.

He was born September 13, 1932, in Drummond, Oklahoma, the son of Lowell E. and Shirley Johnson Wilkinson.

Because of his father''s profession, he resided in many places, Drummond, Oklahoma; Gilchrest, Colorado; Greenfield, MO; Ucon, ID; Lava Hot Springs, ID; Blue Diamond, NV; Cache Junction, UT; and for the past 53 years in Layton, UT.

On June 28, 1952, Billy married the love of his life, Bonita Howell Palmer, in Logan, UT. They spent 57 wonderful years together. She preceded him in death on February 13, 2010.

He retired from H.A.F.B., at the age of 54, and began spending winters in Quartzsite, AZ, with his wife and many friends. He also began, what would be a lifelong love affair, with golf. Billy was a member of the Eagles, Layton J.C.''s and Monday and Wednesday Golf Groups. He coached Little League Baseball, in Layton, for 15 years.

He loved golfing, reading, sports, especially the Indianapolis Colts and the Utah Jazz, and camping with his family and friends.

He was a member of the LDS Church. Dad cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will all miss his joking, teasing, great laugh and love for life.

Surviving are his children, Wendy (Rex) Feller, Layton; Edward Wilkinson, Layton; David Wilkinson, Layton; Jeffrey Wilkinson, So. Weber; daughter-in-law, Patricia Wilkinson, Layton; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and brother, Robert Wilkinson, Alabama. Preceded in death by beloved Bonnie, son Kirk, his parents, and his in-laws, Oreon and Olga Palmer.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road. Friends may visit family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Logan City Cemetery.

A special thanks to Hospice to Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you play a round of golf, go camping or spend the day with family.