Gaile David Wilkinson

On January 22, 2025, Gaile David Wilkinson, Jr. of Hartville, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord at age 82. He was born in West Virginia on October 27, 1942 to parents Gaile and Lorrena Wilkinson. While growing up, Gaile enjoyed fishing with his dad and his uncles, playing baseball, and watching sports. 

Gaile’s faith was most important to him; it was his desire to pass his faith onto his family and friends. He was also an active member of the church, sang in the choir, and helped in the sound booth. 

Gaile delighted in pouring into the lives of his grandchildren, often suggesting something they would want to do even if it wasn’t his own first choice. 

When he wasn’t spending time with family, Gaile often spent vacation time volunteering in areas devastated by natural disasters. He was passionate about using his skills to help rebuild. Gaile was also an avid cyclist and participated in several rides across the country and into Canada. It was through this that he was able to incorporate his love of travel and seeing places. In later years, he got involved in theatre arts and enjoyed participating in local plays and musicals. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gaile Wilkinson Sr. and Lorrena Wilkinson. He is survived by his daughters Rhonda Burdett of Ohio, Julie (Glenn) Cozzens of Missouri, and Michelle (James) Manning also of Ohio. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Ron (Rachel) Wilkinson of Tennessee. 

Family and friends will be received Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home (547 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312) with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Gaile’s request was that donations please be made to the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment.