John Thomas Wilkes, Jr.

John Thomas Wilkes, Jr. AKA “Money”, “Man Child”, “Main”, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed peacefully on August 11, 2024.

He was born on November 29, 1948, in Lynchburg, Virginia to the late John Wilkes Sr. and the late Annie Davis Wilkes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Deloris (Yody) Wilkes.

He received his education at Dunbar High School, later he joined the United States Army. He worked for himself in the construction field until he retired in 2011. In his retirement, he enjoyed visiting the Habitat Restore and the employees treated him like he was family. John always made everyone laugh with his many jokes and his comedic personality.

John leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife of 42 years, Grenda Jones Wilkes, three children; Latesha Saunders, Carla Wilkes-Rose (Cedrick) and John Wilkes III (Kasey), five Grandchildren; Damarius (Karla) Saunders, Destin Saunders, Maciah Rose, Nevaeh Rose and Le’Annah Wilkes-Gardner and one great grandaughter Isabella Saunders Ibarra. One brother; James (Jackie) Wilkes, Two Sisters; Wanda Porter and Gerlidine Tanks. Nine brother-in-laws, Seven Sister In-laws, one uncle, one aunt, his bonus family; Richard and Debra Harvey, Herbert & Kuippo Harvey, Destinee Harvey, Aniyah and Maliyah Cook. He has numerous special friends that he had personal connections with and a life long friend Kenneth Wayne Reeves, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

A visitation will be held Friday, August 16, 2024, from 12-1 P.M. at First Baptist Church (193 Mt. Airy Road, Amherst, Virginia) with a service to follow at 1 P.M. with Reverend Charles Frye officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A repast will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made towards funeral expenses. CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Tharp Funeral Home, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.