Rickey Wilkerson

Bennie Richard "Rickey" Wilkerson, 71, of Forest, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Bedford Care Center in Newton, Mississippi.Born on February 4, 1955, in Forest, Mississippi, Rickey was the son of William Edward Wilkerson and Bettie Ruth Hammond Wilkerson. He was a lifelong resident of Scott County, where he was raised, attended Forest High School, and built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community.

Rickey dedicated much of his career to the trucking industry, serving as Chief Operating Officer of Phenix Transportation in Forest. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence, earning the respect of colleagues and friends throughout the industry.

Outside of work, Rickey was deeply invested in his community. He was a member of the Methodist church, an avid supporter of MC baseball, and an active member of the Mississippi Trucking Association and the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association. One of the roles he treasured most was serving for several years as President of the Forest Bearcat Booster Club, where he supported local student-athletes in the community he loved.

While Rickey valued his career, nothing meant more to him than his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and those who knew him best will remember his generous heart, strength, and the pride he took in the people he loved. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, and his greatest joy came from seeing those he loved succeed.

Rickey was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Wilkerson and Bettie Ruth Hammond Wilkerson, and his sister, Ruth Wilkerson Armstrong.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Daphne Wilkerson; his children, Erica Stone (Matthew), Clint Wilkerson (Macy), and Richard Wilkerson (Thias); his beloved grandchildren, Liam Wilkerson, Landrey Wilkerson, Kathleen Wilkerson, Wilks Stone, Drew Stone, Jack Houston, Karlee Harrison, and Brantley Harrison; his brother, Hiram Wilkerson; his nieces and nephews, Tanner Armstrong, Austin Armstrong, Taylor Reed, Deanna Chambers, Amy Pope, Jason Jones, Lance Puckett, Nicole Puckett, Elizabeth Jackson and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and many cousins.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wolf Funeral Home in Lake, Mississippi. A private family burial will be held at High Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery in Forest, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the High Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Ed Eichelberger, 7572 Highway 501, Forest, MS 39074, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Rickey's memory.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers and staff of Bedford Care Center and Gentiva Hospice for the compassion and kindness shown to Rickey during his final days, as well as to everyone who has offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

Rickey's life was a testament to dedication, loyalty, and love. He will be remembered for the pride he took in his family, his commitment to his people, and the lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and friendship. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.