Emory Claybourne Wilkie

Emory Claybourne “Squibb” Wilkie, 96, of Sanford, peacefully passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home on May 29th, 2025.

Born in Lee County, he was the son of the late William Vance Wilkie and Lenora Theresa Matthews Wilkie Utley. He was a Veteran of the Army Air Corps and the US Air Force. He served in WWII and the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #5631 and American Legion Post #382. He swept his beautiful bride of 73 years off her feet with his dancing talents. He continued to provide lots of joy and laughs with his amazing sense of humor. He had a love of playing, umpiring and passing along his knowledge of baseball. He spent many days on the golf course showing up his opponents. He also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds and fishing at the pier. Of his careers, his most beloved was as a member of fire and rescue driving Sanford’s “Ole Betsy”. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jordan Thomas Robinson.

Mr. Wilkie is survived by his wife, Peggy Carolyn Crissman Wilkie; daughters Theresa Wilkie Bray (Sean), Tandy Wilkie, Martha Wilkie, and Faith Wilkie Hagler; grandchildren Christopher D Thomas, Devon Bray, Jeron Bray, Crystal Mason Gaddy, Tristan Holt, Trent Holt, Travis Holt, Ammy Scott, George Hagler, and Airriann Hagler; great grandchildren Elijah Thomas, Sydney Thomas, Lilly Scott, Hunter Bray, Griffin Bray, Garret Gaddy, Riley Gaddy, Sawyer Gaddy and Evan Hagler; great-great grandchildren Amelia Thomas, Jordan Thomas, and Amara Thomas; and one brother, Fred Wilkie.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to East Sanford Baptist Church, 300 North Ave, Sanford, NC 27330.