Samuel Aubrey Wilkes, of Palm Valley, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Sam, as he was affectionately known, was born in Athens, Georgia, on November 6, 1946, to Annie Lucille (Daniel) and John Aubrey Wilkes. Sam served in the United States Navy from 1965-1969. After being honorably discharged, he worked as a service engineer for Cavalier Products for 16 years and Signode Services for 27 years, retiring in 2012. Sam was a longstanding member of the Palm Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Georgia Bulldogs.
Sam is survived by his wife of 55 years, Darlene Wilkes; sisters, Viola Tiller and Shirley Tiller, daughter, Candy Casto; grandsons, Dylan and Marshall Casto; sister-in-law, Vickie Hunter; brother-in-law, Keith Barrett; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Sam’s life at Chets Creek Church, Palm Valley campus on Monday, October 30, at 12:00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center c/o the Baptist Health Foundation, 841 Prudential Drive, Suite 1300, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.
