Simon B. Wilkes Jr. passed away on April 5. He was born July 2, 1948, in Madison to the late Mr. and Mrs. Simon (E. Pauline Terrell) Wilkes, Sr. He was the fifth of their eight children; one sister (Rosalyn Hart) preceded him in death.

He received his early education in the Morgan County Public Schools. He joined Plainview Baptist Church in Madison at an early age. After the family relocated to Covington in 1963, Simon attended the Newton County Public Schools; he graduated from R.L. Cousins High School in 1967. Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country for four years. He received an honorable discharge in 1972 and subsequently returned to Covington.

On December 9, 1972, he married Diane Broughton, a high school sweetheart. Simon was the proud father of five children.

A hard worker, Simon was employed at Bibb Manufacturing, MacGregor and Georgia Highway Express (Transus). Initially at Transus, he worked as a dock worker and late as a truck driver for over twenty years. Simon loved to drive and to travel. During his spare time he also enjoyed landscaping, fishing and being with his grandchildren.

He departed this earthly life on April 5, leaving to cherish his memory his wife Diane Wilkes of Covington; five children: Lynn Sims, Stephanie Sims, both of Covington, Angela (Preston) Johnson of Sanford, Fla, Sonya Wilkes and Sonicus B. Wilkes, both of Covington; grandchildren: Destiny Williams, Devin Williams, JaShun Wilkes, JaMya Williams, Adarious Johnson, Terrquashea Bass and Reneishea Williams; sisters: Annie Jackson of Lithonia, Gloria (Albert) Monroe of Augusta, Lillie (Aaron) Buggs of Snellville, Julia Kimball of Covington, Christine (Simon) Perryman of Oxford and Betty Gantt of Covington; brother-in-law: Joe Hart of Decatur; sister-in-law: Opal Emdin of California; aunt: Virginia Carr; uncle: Horacial Benton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services were held April 10 at Young Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Kenneth Norrington presiding. The Rev. William Gaither delivered the eulogy.