Dr. Douglas Lamar Wilkinson, RPh, 80, of Swainsboro, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah following a brief illness. Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Swainsboro with Reverend Casey Shaw officiating, assisted by Dr. Robert Blankenship. Interment followed in Swainsboro City Cemetery with military honors. The family received friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Chapman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Donny Wilson, Kevin Farmer, Doug Foulke, Jeffrey Peebles, Tommy Freeman and Al Lawson. Honorary Pallbearers were the Deacons of the First Baptist Church and the VFW.
Dr. Douglas L. Wilkinson, RPH, was born August 21, 1942, in Dublin, to Lucious Adolphus Wilkinson and Alice Hobbs Wilkinson. He attended Dublin High School, where he graduated with honors. Doug was accepted into University of Ga (UGA), his alma mater, and in 1965, he received his Pharmacy degree. On August 5, 1962, he married the woman of his dreams, Sara Elizabeth Bellamy. After meeting her at the Record Hop, he persistently courted her until she said yes. Sixty-one years later, they have two beautiful daughters, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Doug entered the US Army in 1966, first stationed in Fort Sam, Houston, TX. After a year, he was transferred to Ft Campbell, KY. While being stationed there, he was given orders to go serve in Plaiku, Vietnam, to fight for his beloved country in the Vietnam War. He served in the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam. Doug was awarded the Bronze Star and was advanced to a Captain while serving in Vietnam.
On February 9, 1964, they were blessed with their first child and daughter, Jane Elizabeth Wilkinson. Doug was still going to college at UGA and working hard to support his family and to finish college to enter the career he dreamed of. On January 4, 1967, they brought their second child and daughter into the world, Teresa Lynn Wilkinson. Shortly afterwards, in 1970, they moved to Swainsboro to start Plaza Pharmacy, which has been in business for over 52 years. He loved his customers and this community immeasurable. Dad was truly “DR. DOUG” to so many in the community. He will be missed greatly in so many areas in this community, as a true pillar of his church, family, friends and anyone in need. Doug served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church most of his life. He taught the youth Sunday School class and couples class, as well Training Union for over 44 years. He received numerous awards throughout his life, that meant so very much to him, but even more was his love to help others and always be here for his family. Sara Wilkinson will continue to reside in Swainsboro with our family, where she will manage and operate Plaza Pharmacy. Our family would like to thank you all for your love, loyalty and friendship throughout our lives.
As we mourn the loss of our beloved and precious father, husband, grandfather, and friend, we know God opened the gates to welcome dad with open arms. He was our hero and the glue that kept our family together. Even though he leaves a huge hole on earth, we now have the best Guardian Angel to watch over us from above. Rest in Peace Daddy. We love you! Dr. Wilkinson is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Wilkinson; brothers, L.A. Wilkinson and Charley Theo Wilkinson.
Survivors include his wife, Sara Bellamy Wilkinson; daughters, Jane Wilkinson-Bunch of Marietta and Teresa Wilkinson Meyers of Swainsboro; brother, Pat Emerson Wilkinson (Francis) of Dublin; grandchildren, Robert Douglas Murry (Julie) of Watkinsville, Douglas Cameron Meyers (Heather) of Rincon, Micah Donovan Meyers of Boston, MA, Jacob Dillon Meyers of Savannah, Brianna Elizabeth Braverman (Sean) of Orlando, FL, and Zachary Tate Meyers of Athens; great-grandchildren, Hudson Caleb Murry, Hallie Christine Murry, Jacob Robert Murry, Isabella Noel Riggs, and Christian Keith Meyers; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The First Baptist Church of Swainsboro, 240 West Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401 for the Weekend Blessings of Emanuel County and Summer Feed-A-Kid of Emanuel County programs. Donations can also be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 365 Swainsboro, GA 30401.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
