Wilkinson, Mariel Lee

Mariel Lee (M.L.) Wilkinson, of Pearisburg, Va., has expired, passed away, died, gone to the great beyond, kicked the bucket, left the building, has ceased to exist on this Earth, is a “goner,” and is now with his family in Heaven. “Mar Lee,” as he was known throughout his life in Giles County, was born on August 25, 1930, to the late Robert Loring (Jake) Wilkinson and Inez Mae Runions Wilkinson. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Eugene Wilkinson and Buddy Edward Wilkinson; and a niece, Kimberley Jean Kirk. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and worked many years for the Town of Narrows in the public works department. The “Resourceful and Responsible, Remedial Remover of Reprehensible Residue,” his preferred job title, M.L. also worked for the Giles County Public Service Authority. An accomplished writer, essayist, and artist, M.L. will best be remembered for his adeptness and a gift of the written word. His many homespun stories were compiled into a website, , which is still online today, even after his death. Left to cherish his memory are a sister, Joyce Kirk Munsey, of Narrows; an aunt, Helen Meredith, of Narrows; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and thousands of special friends, including a very special friend, Boot. A celebration of his life will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2010, in the chapel of Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows with Pastor Shahn Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg with Graveside Rites conducted by VFW Post #6000 of Narrows, American Legion Posts #68 of Narrows, #311 of Pembroke and #145 of Peterstown. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows on Sunday, January 31, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m. Online condolence messages to the family can be sent to www.riffes.com.