Gregory Gene

Wilkes

Gregory “Greg” Gene Wilkes passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on May 20, 1956, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Woodruff “Woody” Leroy Wilkes and Leona Bell Wilkes, Greg was a beloved husband, daddy, father-in-law, son, and brother. To his granddaughter, Amelia, he was affectionately known as “Gpop.” His life was shaped by family, hard work, and a determination to care for the people he loved.

The youngest of four children, Greg grew up alongside his sister, Linda, his brother, Mike, and his twin brother, Doug. His childhood memories were full of sports and sibling adventures, especially those shared with Doug. Baseball held a special place in his life. He proudly remembered batting .408 during his senior year and the honor of being elected a team captain. After high school, he attended Oscar Rose Junior College, where he played baseball and studied marketing and business. He later earned a place on the baseball team at Oklahoma State University as a walk-on.

Greg met Sheryl while she was working at his parents’ paint and wallpaper store, Color Wheel Decorating. Recalling his first impression of her, he wrote, “She was attractive and nice,” before adding, with his dry humor, “She didn’t like me.” They married on February 4, 1989, and shared 37 years of marriage. When asked in his memory book how many times he had been in love, Greg answered with one word: “Once.”

Throughout his working life in retail and wholesale management, Greg valued the relationships he developed and the opportunities he had to help other people advance. Mentoring others, promoting them, and seeing them succeed were among the most meaningful parts of his career. He believed in hard work, taking responsibility, and providing for his family—values he wanted to pass along to his daughter.

Being Heather’s daddy brought Greg tremendous joy. He treasured their time playing ball, her childhood adventures selling mistletoe, and the evenings he spent reading to her. He would hold her, rock her, and sing “You Are My Sunshine.” As she grew into a wife and mother, he remained proud of her strength and her willingness to stand up for people who could not defend themselves. No matter her age, she would always be his little girl.

To Amelia, he was Gpop. When asked what he would choose to do if he could spend a day doing anything, his answer was simple: “Spend time with my daughter and granddaughter.” There was no elaborate adventure required—being with them was what he wanted.

Greg found pleasure in the familiar comforts of home. He loved spring, tending his yard and flowers, and sitting on the porch waving to neighbors. He took particular care of the family’s dogs, making sure their meals and medications were given on schedule. These everyday routines were part of the life he valued and the care he gave.

Greg was a devoted son to his mother, Leona, visiting her every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He made her care a priority and encouraged her to keep taking care of herself, sometimes with a firm push when he believed she needed one. His devotion to her reflected the way he cared for his family—putting others’ needs before his own and taking their well-being to heart. His words could be blunt, and his encouragement was not always gentle, but he was generous with his time and steadfast in his care. Greg showed his love by being there, week after week, for the people who mattered to him.

His faith was personal. Greg wrote about talking to God, giving thanks for his life, and praying for his wife, daughter, granddaughter, and son-in-law, Joshua. He believed in being a good person, raising good children, and helping others. Those were the values he wanted his family to carry forward.

During the last eight months of his life, Greg and Sheryl shared their home with Heather, Joshua, and Amelia as they transitioned back to Oklahoma. For his daughter and her family, that time together became a precious gift—an opportunity to grow closer through the ordinary moments of living alongside one another. Those months and the memories made within them will always be treasured.

Greg is survived by his mother, Leona Bell Wilkes; his beloved wife of 37 years, Sheryl Wilkes; his daughter, Heather Hodgson; his son-in-law, Joshua Hodgson; his cherished granddaughter, Amelia Hodgson, his sister, Linda Wilkes and his brother, Mike Wilkes.

He was preceded in death by his father, Woodruff “Woody” Leroy Wilkes; his twin brother, Douglas Dean Wilkes; and his stepson, Eric David Burdette.

A service celebrating Greg’s life will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary’s South Lakes Chapel, 4000 SW 119th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73173.

Greg will be remembered for his strength, his loyalty, his kindness, and the love he gave so faithfully to his family and to all those he cared for.

Memorial Service to be held on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Vondel L Smith & Son Mortuary South Lakes Chapel, 4000 SW 119th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73173