« Return to Obituaries | Print
There will be no service at this time.
A memorial get together will be held in the spring.
Jeff L. Wilkins, age 76, of Cisne died on Saturday, November 19, 2022, in Wayne County, Illinois.
He was a native of Flora.
Jeff was born July 9, 1946, in Olney, Illinois to Jimmie Green Wilkins and Anna Pauline Wilkins.
Jeff graduated from Flora Township High School – Class of 1964.
Jeff enjoyed water sports, Nascar and drag racing. He drag raced for 50 years – ending his run in 2017 when he crashed his car at I-57 Dragstrip in Benton, Il.
Jeff loved his family and was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jeff wore many hats during his working years. His family owned Wilkins Shoe Stores in both Flora and Effingham, which Jeff had to take over when his father died in 1966. Later he and Brad Anderson built spec homes in the Effingham area. Upon returning to Flora in the 1980’s, Jeff had an automotive repair shop – Jeff’s Automotive, which later branched out to Jeff’s Auto Sales. After that he purchased the East End Liquors with a partner, Rick Race.
Even after he retired Jeff tried some new ventures. He worked a short time for George Smith Ag in Johnsonville. He helped the road commissioner, Leon Hatcher, in Indian Prairie Township. Then he also hauled grain for Brad Mugrage for a couple of years.
He is survived by his spouse, Shara Harvey Wilkins of Cisne, two daughters, Tammy Beccue (Brandon Vest) of Xenia, Teresa Patridge (Jay) of Cisne, one son, Jeffery Wade Wilkins of Cisne, one stepson, Doug Spitzner (Heather Rogers) of Xenia, one stepdaughter, Amy Simpson (Tommy) of Flora. Jeff was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Rayven, Taryn, Dusty, Peyton, Baylee, Mycca, Makhara, and Gage and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three cousins - Dianna Jacobs, Larry Bryan, and Judy Moss.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and a spouse, Charlotte Blackwell Wilkins.
Per Jeff’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no service at this time.
A memorial get together will be held in the spring. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to North Wayne Ambulance Service or any charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
What a great friend and neighbor.I am sure him and Blane are talking drag racing. So sorry Shara and family. He will be missed .
Shara and Family Sharla and I are very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We will miss his smile stories and jokes. You and your family will be in our prayers.
RIP, Jeff. Such a kind gentle man. Loved your stories and jokes. We are happy and grateful we got to spend time with you Saturday night.
So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was always a person anyone could converse with, about anything. He always had a smile, a kind heart, a story, and a sense of humor. Prayers for Shara and the family.
Jeff has always been such a sweet soul and has always welcomed me as family! He will be missed! Sending lots of love and hugs to his family !
Mark and I are sending our deepest sympathies. We have fond memories of Jeff from high school and the intervening years when we reconnected at high school reunions. He and Mark graduated the same year, and we always loved talking about cars and reminiscing about fun high school memories and experiences. RIP, Jeff.
Sorry for your loss, prayers for healing and strength. Jeff was always a pleasure to Talk to, always enjoyed his stories about racing.
Shara and Family: We are saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. You’re in our prayers. RIP Jeff
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. A great car guy. He will be missed.
Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you.
Sorry for your loss our condolences
Our sympathy. Sorry to read of this.
Prayers to Jeff's family. I use to watch him build cars when I was in High School He was a very nice and kind person.
Shara, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jeff was such a kind and gentle person who greeted everyone with a smile. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He will be missed by so many people because of his smiling face. Condolences to Shara and family
So sorry for your loss.
RIP Jeff. I was fun when we were on side by side rides and the bon fires we went too
Jeff was a good guy and a good friend. He raced with my husband and son and was always there to help each other.
So sorry to hear of his passing, prayers to the family! I will always enjoy our talks around the fires and memories over the years.
So sorry for loss of your dad! Sending hugs and love to all of you!! ❤
Gary and I have known Jeff since High School. Always a good friend and great guy. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
We were so sorry to hear of the death of Jeff. We are praying for you , Shara, and all of the family.
All the heads are bowed at the Clay County Navy. Helmsman Jeff - we will meet again. And the Clay County Navey will have a good time up there!
My sincere condolences to the Jeff Wilkins family. Remember first meeting Jeff camping and boating at Forbes. What fun times! Sold me a truck to surprise Wayne with. Great guy❤️🙏Have a cold one with Richard and Wayne!!!
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are certainly with the family at this difficult time.
So very sorry Shara and family...
So very sorry Shara and family...
Jeff and I grew up in a close family. We spent many holidays together since his mother always cooked the meals after our grandmother passed away. His mother and my dad were siblings. I didn’t truly see Jeff that often in the last years but I will always remember him as my great caring sweet cousin. I was lucky to have him in my life. My condolences to Shara and all his family.
Prayers for all the Family & Friends RIP Jeff
May God grant you peace, Shara, as you cope with this great loss! Much love to you!
Jeff was a special guy and always loved talking to him..lots of memories that will be cherished forever. Keeping all the family and friends in our thoughts and prayers...hugs
There are no words to say that will help ease this loss of love. Jeff was wonderful his love will continue to shine in each of you. Many hugs to you all.
Shara, we are so sorry for your loss 😞🙏
Shara, so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. Even as youngsters er both watched Jeff as he drag races at the drag strip in Fairfield with my dad, Jim Musgrave and Billy’s dad Gibby Andrews. Such exciting fun times they all had together for so many years. Jeff always had a smile on his face and he was loved by all. Your family is in our prayers.
We loved Jeff and are thankful to have had this man in our lives. He always made us smile.
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom (Sonny) considered Jeff his best friend. All the fun they had being neighbors. Jeff was always a great guy, always loved seeing him at reunions. It is hard but Jeff and Tom are having a laugh about old times.
We're thinking of you and family, Shara. May God's comfort come your way.
Shara, So sorry for your loss. I ever did get to meet your husband but know you will miss him so much. Blessings to you and your family. Judie
We are so sorry for your loss. Jeff did wear many hats and was always on the go. Hugs to you all. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
We are very sorry to hear about Jeff! We got to know him when we went watch Bob Grubb at the drag races. He was so fun to watch and visit!!
so sorry to hear of Jeff passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
I am saddened to hear of Jeffs' passing. I visited and spoke with him from time to time over many years. We even met up by chance at the National Drags a couple of times while walking around. He would readily answer a question or two about drag cars if I needed to know something. He was always nice and a friendly guy with a joke for ya if you needed one
Sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was such a great guy. I remember drag racing days. I remember fishing at his lake.
Sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a good friend. He let me fish.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
