Richard W. Wilkinson ‘48/49, (11/18/1932 - 1/15/2016)

R. W. “Buzzy” Wilkinson passed away Friday, Jan 15, 2016 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC at the age of 83, following a short illness. He was born Nov 18, 1932 in Welch, and was the son of the late E M Wilkinson, MD and Addie Mae (Johnson) Wilkinson of Pineville, WV.

He is survived by Patricia Ann Haynes Wilkinson; two sons, Richard Ernest “Rick” Wilkinson and Frank Warren Wilkinson and his wife Gina Butcher Wilkinson, of Bluefield, VA; and three grandchildren, Anne Warren Wilkinson, Caroline Pearson Hayes Wilkinson and Frank Thomas Wilkinson of Bluefield, Va. He is also survived by his brother, E.M. Wilkinson, Jr. of Covington, VA.

He graduated from Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg in 1950 and was a college freshman in 1951, and then attended the University of Virginia and graduated in 1955. He was an exceptional athlete and became the first basketball player to have his jersey---number 14---retired at the University of Virginia. He was also recognized as an All American in 1954 and 1955 and still holds the single season ACC scoring record for averaging 32.1 point per game in 1955. He scored 2233 points during his college career and is currently third on the University’s all-time scoring list. He also averaged 28.6 points per game for a career and score 898 points his senior year, which is a record as well. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in that same year.

He was honored on July 25, 2015 at the Sports Legends Reunion at the Beckley Moose Club. They referred to him as the “Jerry West of the University”. He decided to give up a career with the Celtics following a car accident and attended law school at the University of Virginia, graduating in1962. He moved to Bluefield, W. Va. and worked at the First National Bank of Bluefield (now First Century Bank) and had a rewarding baking career that lasted for 50 years. He retired as president and CEO on Dec. 31, 2010. He was still active on the boards of the bank and holding company at the time of his death. His passion was working with people and making the community a better place to live for everyone.
Buzzy also served as president of the H.I. Shott, Jr. Foundation, as well as the Ethel N. Bowen Foundation. He was active in many civic organizations and believed in giving of his time for the betterment of the community.

In accordance with his wishes, the family will have a private service. The family would as that, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Christ Episcopal Church, 200 Duhring Street, Bluefield, WV 24701, for their Food Pantry Program.
Thos wishing to share memories or condolences may do so by visiting www.mercerfunerhomw.com.