Obituary of John Rafeal Wilks

Funeral services for John R. Wilks age 92 of Columbia will be held at 11:00 AM Sunday May 5, 2019 from the sanctuary of Columbia Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Warren Maxwell officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Cemetery at Hebert under direction of Riser & Son Funeral Home of Columbia. The Wilks family will receive visitors on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the church from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

John Rafeal Wilks was one of twins born to his parents, Joseph Edward Wilks and Eva Elizabeth Fox Wilks on December 14,1926. John left this life on May 3, 2019 at his residence following an extended illness. John served his country in the United States Navy for twelve years and he was a Deputy in the Caldwell Parish Sheriffs Department, serving his community for twenty six years. John loved gardening and he loved to tell stories mesmerizing those around him with his tales.

He leaves behind his sweet wife: Myrtis Poole Wilks of Columbia; his son: Duane Wilks (Mitzi)of Columbia; three daughters: Sheri Wilks Rabb of Natchez, Johnette Wilks of Natchez and Micki Wilks of Alexandria; his twin brother:James Wilks and wife Colleen of Hebert and his brother: Chester Wilks and wife Betty of West Monroe; thirteen grandchildren: Angel Darden, Leslie Compton, Ashly Roberts, Kaci Wilks, Christian Wilks, Laura Nash,  Cash Rabb, Nolan Rabb, Amber Hightower, Bobby Mercer, Heather Hightower,Johnathan Wilks and Ashlyn Brittain, twenty three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers including:  Johnathan Wilks, Alex Neathery,Grant Roberts, Kaleb Ash, Drake Darden, Garrett Darden, Coty Ingle, Michael Gonzalez, Cash Rabb and Bobby Mercer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nolan Rabb, Julian Roberts, Christian Wilks, Jett Roberts, Robby Compton, Chadd Roberts, John Nash, Cody Bailes, Drew Keahey, David Parker, Eddie Parker, Steve May, Sydney Mack and Marcus Bynog.

Online registry/condolences: riserfuneralhomes.com