Rusty Wilkerson

Benjamin Russell (Rusty) Wilkerson, of Kingsport, Tennessee, left this world to be with our Lord on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Rusty was a native of Franklin, Tennessee. He attended Battle Ground Academy, Washington and Lee University and Vanderbilt University. Rusty was appointed to West Point in 1957 and is a 1962 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He also holds a Masters of Public Service in Public Administration from Western Kentucky University. Rusty served two tours in Vietnam in addition to other numerous assignments. During his years of service, Rusty earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Airborne Wings, and the Ranger Tab. His Military Awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, three Bronze Stars, and the Army Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, he served as the Deputy Director of Engineering and Housing at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and as the Public Works Director for the City of Kingsport, Tennessee. Rusty was a regular columnist for the Kingsport Times News, a member of Kiwanis, a driver for Waverly Presbyterian Church and served on the boards of Goodwill and Girls Incorporated. He was an admissions Field Representative for 1st District, West Point, and was a member of Mayfair United Methodist Church.

Rusty lived in Kingsport with his wife of 51 years, Gini. They have three daughters, Cathy (Lance) Carpenter from Clarksville, Tennessee, Marci (Brad) Schneier from Bradenton, Florida, and Ginny (Eric) Schneier from Richmond, Kentucky; five grandchildren; and sister, Alexine Wilkerson of Franklin, Tennessee.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 6th at Mayfair United Methodist Prospect Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Rusty's memory be sent to Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute (pearlpoint.org/sarahcannonfund), Fisher House (donate.fisherhouse.org), or to a charity of your choosing.