Michael James Wilkinson

Michael James Wilkinson, 56, son of Bill and Ruth Wilkinson, ended his courageous three year battle with cancer on February 17, 2013. He is survived by his three daughters, Mandy Wilkinson, Kate Wilkinson and Mary Wilkinson, their mother, Lorraine Wilkinson, and a beautiful granddaughter, Savannah Michelle Miller. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill "Pop" Wilkinson, in 1999. He is survived by his beloved mother, Ruth; siblings Pat Wilkinson (Cyndi), Therese Jones (Joel), Reno Wilkinson (Lori), Ruth Shannon (John), Matt Wilkinson (Lelanie) and Bill Wilkinson; many nieces and nephews and their families; as well as a large extended family. Mike was born November 5, 1956, and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Kelley High School in 1975. He began his construction career with his father's company B & W Utilities. Mike was a water and sewer contractor throughout his life. He formed Wilkinson Construction, Inc., in 1992. He was active in the Arkansas Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., serving as president of the association in 1994 and 2006. In 1998, Mike received the Distinguished Service Award from the Arkansas Chapter AGC, the highest award given to a member of the association. Mike was also an active member in the National Utility Contractors Association. In the last years of his life, Mike faced death with a never ending sense of adventure that took him from the glaciers of Alaska to the swamps of Louisiana and the top of the Empire State Building. He traveled the country to spend time with his daughters, family, and friends. Mike will always be remembered as an honest, loving, generous man with a great sense of humor. Mike loved traveling, flying airplanes, riding motorcycles, playing golf, boating on Greer's Ferry Lake, playing dominos, breakfast at Bob's Grill, and being with the Troubadours. Mike's daughters thank their family, especially Therese, and friends for their never ending love and support during this difficult time. The dedication and care given by UAMS, Dr. Lehmberg and Arkansas Hospice is truly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, Mike asked that everyone make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation because no child deserves cancer. Services to be provided by Roller McNutt, Conway, Arkansas. Rosary at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, followed by visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial service in Conway at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 21, with Fr. Tom McSherry as celebrant. Funeral Mass and inurnment with Fr. McSherry to be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cleveland, Oklahoma, at 11 a.m., Friday, February 22. The online guestbook can be signed by visiting www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.