Howard Vincent "Vince" Wilkins

Vince passed away Monday, May 16, 2022 due to health issues.  He was born in Oxford, NC to Thomas Howard Wilkins and Kathryn Toler Wilkins.

Vince grew up in Franklinton, NC and went to Franklinton High School where he graduated in 1989.  He worked in a variety of jobs, most recently at Novozymes North America Inc. in Franklinton, NC as a Waste Management Operator until his death.

Vince loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, cooking out with the guys, joking around, and spending time with all his friends and their kids.  He loved children and had a real knack for relating to their needs.  Needless to say, they gravitated towards him. He was a gentle soul with a big heart that was very infectious, but he was also a no-nonsense kind of guy.

Vince was preceded in death by his father Thomas Howard Wilkins and his paternal grandparents Helon Primrose Wilkins Sr. and Hettie Cash Wilkins, all of Stem, NC, and his maternal grandparents Mangum Breeze Toler and Edith Kearney Toler of Franklinton, NC.  Vince is survived by his mother Kathryn Toler Landerman (Dick) of Durham, NC, brother Thomas Mangum Wilkins (Paula) and nephew Joel Anthony Wilkins of Wake Forest, NC, stepsisters Leah Landerman of Chapel Hill, NC and Jessie Landerman of Philadelphia, PA, and 2nd brother-by-choice L.G. Tomlin of Franklinton, NC.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would also like to acknowledge special friends Freddie and Hope Coats, and their sons Eric (Jamie) and children, and Kevin (“Buttons”).  They hold such a special place in our hearts for being so good to Vince and to our family.  Their big hearts and kind acts can never be repaid.   Special mention to Danny Pearce who was a very loved childhood friend.

Vince had many people in his life he considered friends but the list is too great to individually mention.  You know who you are, and you were just as special to Vince as anyone.  As he would say, don’t you forget it!

Visitation will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main Street, Wake Forest, NC  27587.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 1245 Mount Olivet Church Road, Franklinton, NC  27525, with an inurnment burial following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you donate your time to helping a kid or to donate to your favorite cause.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Wake Forest, NC.