Ruie Ward Wilkerson

Ruie Ward Wilkerson Jr. of Hughes Springs, Texas, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 28, 2025, at the age of 72 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Junior was born May 17, 1952, in Beaumont, Texas, where he attended school at South Park ISD. He started his 32-year career working for Aggreko in the commercial HVAC industry where he excelled professionally and made many dear friends. To prepare for retirement, he and his wife, Debra, settled in the small town of Hughes Springs, Texas. In his free time, he enjoyed drag racing, working on antique cars, and tinkering in his shop. He was a member of the Church on the Rock in Daingerfield. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruie and Alma Wilkerson; sister, Jean Spell; and brothers, Riley Wilkerson and Troy Wilkerson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Debra Wilkerson; daughters, Laurie Elliott and husband, Brian of Pine Forest, Katlyn Pirtle and husband, Noah of Daingerfield, Jasmine Wilkerson of Hughes Springs; grandchildren, Brenton Whitney and wife, Samantha of Buna, Lauren Young and husband, Taylor of Buna, Jonah Pirtle, Joseph Pirtle; great grandchildren, Bryson Whitney, Lexi Young, Mailynn Young; and sister, Margaret Ames and husband, Don of Austin. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home. To honor Junior’s life, there will be a memorial service and a celebration of life, the details for both services are below. Memorial Service: May 16, 2025 at 6:00 pm., at Church on the Rock 909 Linda Dr., Daingerfield, Texas 75638. Celebration of life service on his birthday: May 17, 2025, at 3:00 pm., at Grace Point at Eagle Heights Church 11815 I-10 East, Orange, Texas 77630.