On the evening of Saturday, January 11th, 2025, Edwin “Ed” H. Wilkins passed peacefully after a year battle with lung cancer. Ed was 72 years old.
Ed was born in Little Rock, AR to Dr. William H. Wilkins, DDS and Barbara Speaker Wilkins on September 15th, 1952, growing up in Magnolia, AR. Ed was a one of a kind bass guitar musician playing his right-hand base upside down and strung backwards for his left hand. His first love was music, then later in life becoming a CPA and worked for ATMOS Energy in Dallas, TX as a Senior Rate Analyst in gas accounting. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge #1987 in Fayetteville-Springdale and volunteered for Meals on Wheels along with being a member of Hyland Park College in Fayetteville, AR.
Ed was preceded in death by both his father and mother. He is survived by:
His wife, Yvette, of 27 years, “God gave me the greatest gift of my life, Ed Wilkins. He went to bed happy and woke up happy while in between he spread kindness, love and humor every day. I loved him with all my heart and soul. Integrity not ego dictated his life.”. His dog of 12 years, Lucy Lu.
His 2 children, Rebecca Wilkins of Rogers, AR, “My Father was amazing. He taught me to get through hard times with prayer, gratefulness, and laughter. I hope I can do that now. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life, Daddy. We will meet again someday at the “East Gates of Heaven”. Michael Wilkins of Fayetteville, AR, “He was always one to try make people laugh and have a good time. He is an inspiration to try to spread joy and kindness to everyone you meet.”
Sister, Janet Wilkins Crow (David) of Conway, AR, Brother-in-Law, Craig Cardenas (Nicole) of Columbus, TX, Aunt, Helen Benafield of Conway, AR. Uncle, Warren Oliver of Conway, AR . In-laws, Patsy and Gordon Zabel of Bryan, TX, Joe and Shelley Cardenas of Pilot Point, TX and Billie Fowler of Brenham, TX. Nephew Zac (Tiffeny) Crow, nieces Laura (Crow) Copeland, Kristen (Ben) Crow Shelton, and Nephew Matthew Cardenas. Along with several great nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Ed had countless friends that preceded him and many scattered around the planet. He lived his life with integrity. He was a humble man so per his request there will be no public service. To honor his memory please donate at your local Meals on Wheels or support a needy musician!
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
I will always remember “Uncle” Ed very fondly, he was the light of any room and could always get us to laugh. I will miss him dearly ❤️
Yvette and Lucy Lu,
What beautiful and loving words for Ed. I always loved running into y’all on our walks. He is missed.
Sending love to you and his family.
Dear Vette,
I was so saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind, warm, and humble man who cared about others. I feel fortunate to have met him, and I am so glad that you were together for all these years. Peace to you and to his other family members.
Hello Vette,
It was with a sad heart that I heard about Ed’s passing. But what an amazing life you and Ed shared. I never knew of Ed’s talent for playing the bass guitar upside down and bassackwards—or is that Bass-ackwards? By all accounts, he was a remarkable husband and dad. I pray his charm, wit, and love will always warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. You will be in Kimberly’s and my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ed was a fellow accounting student in the 90’s. I remember him fondly.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ed Wilkins. I played in 2 bands with Ed …in 1973 in Magnolia and again in 1976 in Fayetteville. We were young starving musicians trying to figure it all out. Yes indeed…..Ed could play! He was strong, handsome, talented, and smart. I will never forget him….so glad we were band buddies back in the day. Rest in Peace Ed.
Dear Yvette, Lucy Lu & Lance,
Our hearts were broken to hear of Ed’s passing!
He was such a wonderful person & friend to everyone he met. He was so special to all of the Hoodies & we all miss him terribly.
May his loving smile & lasting memories comfort you forever.
We love you!
I’m saddened to hear of Edwin’s passing. I am very glad I was able to have the chance to meet him. May God be with your family in your time of grief.