[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WILLIAM W. WILKENS, SR.

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to reflect on the life of a 
good friend of mine, and one of our State's leading citizens--William 
Walter Wilkins, Sr.--who passed away recently.
  Born in the South Carolina ``Upstate'', Mr. Wilkins became one of the 
most prominent and well liked citizens of the region. A gifted athlete, 
``WW'' was active in a number of sporting activities, including playing 
4 years of varsity basketball, before his cum laude graduation from 
Furman University. Soon after he earned his law degree from that 
prestigious institution in 1929, William began to establish a well 
deserved reputation as a capable and dedicated attorney whose integrity 
was unimpeachable. Mr. Wilkins was forced to put his law practice aside 
to serve in the Navy during World War II, but upon his return to the 
United States, he founded the Wilkins Law Firm and remained its senior 
partner until his retirement in 1992.
  A civic minded individual, Walter was actively involved in many 
community activities and was recognized as an important regional 
leader. In addition to being a member of the Greenville County and 
South Carolina Bar Associations, he belonged to a number of other civic 
groups and organizations. He was the Past Commander of the James F. 
Daniel, Jr. American Legion Post; a past Master of
 the Walden Masonic Lodge; and, Chairman of the Board of Directors of 
the Greenville County American Legion Fair Association, where he served 
as chairman for 44 years and helped to raise many thousands of dollars 
to support the Legion. His commitment to civic service earned him many 
recognitions and awards from groups as diverse as the American Legion, 
the City of Greenville, and the Governor of South Carolina who 
presented him with our State's highest award, ``The Order of the 
Palmetto''.

  Perhaps the one thing that Walter Wilkins loved more than practicing 
law was his family. He was very devoted to his lovely wife, Evelyn, and 
their three children: Nancy Wilkins Lydon; Judge William W. Wilkins, 
Jr.; attorney and Speaker of the South Carolina House of 
Representatives, David H. Wilkins; and Dr. Robert T. Wilkins of Denver, 
Colorado.
  As a class project, one of Walter's grandchildren wrote a short essay 
about him, and I would like to share an excerpt of it with you:

       My grandfather, Walter Wilkins or ``Papa'', has had a great 
     influence on my life. Thanks in large part to ``Papa'', our 
     family name is well respected in the community. Having a 
     family tradition of which I am very proud means a great deal 
     to me. I was not really aware that ``Papa'' did more for us 
     than simply give us a little money at Christmastime until my 
     entire family gathered for a ceremony in ``Papa's'' honor by 
     a well-known organization in Greenville County. The speaker 
     talked a great deal about ``Papa's'' many contributions to 
     the community. It was then I realized how much we owe 
     ``Papa'' for our good name and reputation. ``Papa'' is not as 
     strong and healthy as he used to be, and I'm afraid he won't 
     be with us for too many more years. But his contributions to 
     our family will live on. He has given us a legacy of 
     integrity and honor, and taught us to always do our very 
     best. I know that's why he tried so hard to make clear to his 
     children and grandchildren when he would stress hard work in 
     our schoolwork and athletics. I can still picture in my mind 
     playing football and other sports in his backyard and looking 
     up at the window and making eye contact with him sitting 
     there watching me play, pulling for me to always do my best.

  Certainly a moving and fitting tribute to a unique man. All those who 
knew Walter Wilkins, Sr. share the sense of loss his family must feel 
and they have our deepest sympathies on the passing of their father and 
grandfather.


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