Joel Ray "RJ" Wilkes

Mr. Joel Ray “R J” Wilkes, 76, husband of the late Thadglen C. Wilkes, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Heritage Home of Florence.

Mr. Wilkes was born on April 9, 1949, in Florence County, the son of the late Caleb Jesse Wilkes and Roberta Floyd Wilkes. A dedicated welder and fabricator, he was a hard worker who spent his life providing for his family. Mr. Wilkes was a good man who was dependable, loving, and devoted. He loved his family deeply and cherished time spent with his loved ones, finding great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He especially enjoyed fishing in the Lynches River, hunting, and riding motorcycles and four-wheelers.

Surviving are his sons, Scottie Wilkes, Glenn (Heather) Wilkes and Billy (Cindy) Wilkes all of Olanta; grandchildren, Michela Thomas, Tyler Wilkes, Samantha Wilkes, Abbey Wilkes, Gretchen (Joey) Braxton, Chelsea (Vince) Wysinger and Mason Thomas; brothers, Jesse (Margaret) Wilkes and Bruce (Sarah) Wilkes; sisters, Diane (Eugene) Baker, Faddie Wilkes and Loretta (Samuel) Hickson.

Mr. Wilkes was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Thadglen C. Wilkes; brother, Jack Wilkes.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM, Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Matthew Cemetery, Coward, SC.

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