Eugene Abraham Wilkins, 84, of Salisbury, Maryland departed this life on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Born January 2, 1936 in Crisfield, Maryland, he was the son of the late Alfred and Jeanette Giddings-Wilkins.
Eugene received his education in Somerset County graduating from Carter G. Woodson High School, in Crisfield Maryland, in 1953. He enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis on the USS John Hood Destroyer out of Brooklyn, New York, the USS Hemminger Destroyer Escort, and the USS Roberts Destroyer Escort.
He was employed for many years as an Operating Room Technician in Newport News VA, at the Veterans Administration Hospital. He also was employed at the VA in Connecticut and Orange, New Jersey. He was employed at East Orange Memorial Hospital as a Nursing Assistant.
Eugene joined the Postal Service in 1970 and was employed as a Letter Carrier in Orange, New Jersey. Eugene walked into the Post Office in Crisfield, Maryland and was employed as the first Black Mailman ever to work in that position. He was trained as a Letter Carrier and Desk Clerk. He was a Letter Carrier in Crisfield for twenty-five years. He retired in 1998.
Eugene joined St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Salisbury, Maryland in 1980. He enjoyed serving as a choir member, steward board member, and Sunday School Teacher. He was the first Chief Acolyte at St. Paul under the direction of the Pastor.
On June 24, 1967, Eugene was happily married to the love of his life, Loetta in Crisfield, Maryland. They were married for 52 years. Each night before they went to sleep, you could find them reading the Word to each other or listening to the Word on television or a cd. He was an avid reader of fictional books, and he studied his bible for up to an hour every day. He was a special influence on his brothers-in-law, Brewster, Bernard, Austin (Rick), Delontae, and Michael. It was important to him for his children and grandchildren to be on right path in life. He was a proud family man who enjoyed taking trips, telling jokes, and watching sports. If you knew him, you were probably given a reading assignment and asked about it.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Beatrice Jackson, Shirley Morgan, Raymond Wilkins, Mary Ponder, and Lawrence (Lonnie) Wilkins.
Eugene was a loving husband and father, and he leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Loetta Wilkins; children, Austin Torney (Alisa), Karen Miller, Adrian Torney, Chad Wilkins (Nicka), and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
5 Responses
When the Lord calls our Loved Ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of Breavement.
Wayne & Aundra Roberts
May the God we love and serve keep you in his care during these most difficult of days.
Cubby and Dee
To God be the Glory. Mr. Eugene it was a great pleasure having known you, I remember when we would have bible study and how if no one else you challenged me to study. I know with no doubt you are at the right hand of God, because God was your beginning and your end of each day. Rest in his arms, and may God continue to bless your family.
My father was wise, gentle, loving and I miss him. We had a short time together but it was wonderful. Thank you for your love and wisdom. I will carry you with me forever.
Love Mrs. Nicka Wilkins
A truly wonderful man and a blessing to our family. Uncle Gene always inspired and motivated me to be a better person. I cherish the one on one conversations and his ability to mix history, humor, and spiritual guidance into powerful messages. He was able to meet me where I was.
Uncle Gene supported his family. I will always remember the family gatherings late into the night, the football games, the requests for hamburgers from Checkers, and the long drives at NO MORE THAN 52 MPH. Most importantly, I remember that your words and actions were aligned. You practiced what you preached. I love you, Uncle Gene.