Reverend Howard M. “Hank” Wilkinson of Garysburg, NC, died and went home to Jesus on Friday, May 29, 2015.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Hank, 89, is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia Taylor Stephenson Wilkinson of Garysburg and their son Rev. Scott Taylor Wilkinson and his daughter-in-law, Vickie Wilkinson, of Chocowinity, NC.
Other survivors are and his step grandchildren: Kim and Jeff Holsclaw, his nieces and nephews: Jeannie Hefner, Buck Long, Dean Edwards, Karen Turner Clapperton, Heidi Turner Parker, Lindy Turner Wyatt, and his sisters-in law Mildred Stephenson Edwards and Linda Stephenson Turner.
Hank served as a second class seaman in the US Navy on the USS Collet Destroyer 730 in the Pacific during WWII. He graduated from NC State College in Animal Husbandry, served as a county agent for Halifax County, hosted the WUNC TV show “Aspect” and then was executive secretary for the NC Egg Marketing Association.
In 1963, after years of soul searching for inner happiness, Hank had a dramatic “Damascus Road” experience with God, saying, “Christ, I will trust you with my life, whether things get better or worse!”
Shortly after this, he answered a call into the ministry and became a United Methodist Pastor.
His first appointment was the “Kitty Hawk Charge”, where he pastored the Kitty Hawk, Collington and Duck UM churches.
During his nine years on the Outer Banks he started two one-of-a-kind ministries to the summer tourists: Movies on the Beach and The Circus Tent.
A giant movie screen was erected by the ocean’s edge and hundreds of people a night would sit on the sand and watch Christian movies.
The Circus Tent was a colorful one hundred foot tent, under which tourists and locals alike would eat ice cream and listen to Christian folk music. US News and World Report called The Circus Tent the most successful of all the Christian coffee houses along the eastern United States, averaging 1000 guests nightly and staffed by over 200 summer volunteers.
After leaving the Outer Banks, Hank continued to pastor United Methodist churches throughout eastern North Carolina, preaching the Gospel of Jesus through sermons, costumed dramas and musicals (assisted by his wife).
After retiring, Hank held many revival services dressed as the old circuit riding preacher, Peter Dobb, and in his late 70’s did solo “Gospel Jazz” concerts, where he took jazz standards and changed the words to promote the saving message of forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ.
Hank request instead of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and will be divided between Pleasant Grove UMC, Creative Ministries (a puppet ministry spin off of The Circus Tent) and Habitat For Humanity.
A very unique and uplifting celebration of the Good News (led by Hank Wilkinson himself by way of a pre-recorded CD.) will be held Sunday, June 7, at 3:00 PM, at Pleasant Grove UMC, 2484 Jackson By-Pass Road, Garysburg, NC. A mini-concert will follow by members of the former New Hermeneutics (house band for The Circus Tent). Light refreshments will follow.
Online Condolences may be made to the family at www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com
Massey Funeral Home in Jackson, NC is handling the arrangements.