Rodney De Witt Wilkins

Rodney “Rod” De Witt Wilkins (February 28, 1934 - December 12, 2024), a second-generation San Diego County native and long-time resident of Spring Valley, passed away on Thursday, December 12, at the age of ninety, with his devoted wife at his side. Rod was the youngest son of seven children born to Moses Wilkins, a sheet metal worker and WWI U.S. Navy veteran, and Annie Clara Harrison, a homemaker and piano teacher who played a mean boogie-woogie.

From serving as an altar boy at Saint Didacus Catholic Church in San Diego to becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Spring Valley, Rodney was a devout Catholic. Honored and humbled to be selected as Santa Sophia’s First Parish Council President, Rodney continued to share his time and talent to support the parish staff and community. Rodney’s brothers were on active duty during WWII. Inspired by his family’s military service, Rod enlisted in the Army after graduating from Hoover High School in 1952. He served during the Korean War era with the 101st Airborne Division, and 82nd Airborne Division. Returning to civilian life, Rodney met Gloria Jean DeVillier, who he always said was the prettiest girl in the world. They married on June 15, 1958, and welcomed their first child one year later. Four children followed. An electrician and proud 66-year member of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 569, Mr. Wilkins was a skilled electrical contractor who shared his expertise and passion with his eldest son. Rodney brought joy to his family, weaving laughter and life lessons that will forever echo in their hearts. His legacy of kindness and wisdom will be dearly missed.

Mr. Wilkins is survived by Gloria Wilkins, his wife of 66 years, their five children, nine grandchildren, and his sister, Shirley Wilkins Layman.

Private Interment Miramar National Cemetery

Santa Sophia Catholic Church

https://santasophia.org/

Miramar National Cemetery

https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/miramar.asp

The family requests donations in Rodney DeWitt Wilkins’s name to the charity of your choice