Jesse Ray Wilkinson, 84, of Vernon, Texas passed away peacefully on June 29th in Abilene, Texas.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home prior to Graveside services at 11:00 am at Eastview Cemetery in Vernon, Texas, under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home, on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026.

Jesse was born in Vernon, Texas to Willis M. Wilkinson and Florence Jane Prather on September 5th, 1941. He married the love of his life, Linda Haynes, on March 14th, 1961. He was a sergeant in the army and served for nearly three years.

Jesse loved to race cars and was really good at it. Jesse was a businessman. He owned a junk yard for many many years which he sold later in life and also owned Wilkinson’s Upholstery for 35 years until he retired. But most of all, he loved his family more than anything.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, three brothers, his wife Linda and his son RayDean Wilkinson.

Jesse is survived by his two grandchildren, Valerie Perry and Husband, Gabe of Abilene, Texas and Zachary Wilkinson of Graham, Texas, one great granddaughter, Oaklynn Perry and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to AVIR at Baird and Hendrick Hospice Center for their care, love and support for Jesse and his family during this difficult time in their lives.