Mr. Richard Connell Wilkins was born January 23, 1935 in Rutherfordton, NC to  Thomas and Hattie Wilkins. He was a graduate of Carver High School where he was an outstanding football player. He matriculated to North Carolina Central University and was an outstanding football player while there. He was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Mr. Wilkins was a retiree of Glenshaw Glass Company with over 20 years of services. He later worked and retired from Rockland Psychiatric Center.

He served his country having served in the United States Air Force.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by several siblings. Mr. Wilkins departed this life Wednesday August 18, 2021 at Wake Forest Baptist Health.

He is survived by his wife of the home. Mary C. Wilkins; children, Thomas"Reggie" (Tammy) Crawford, Stacy(Neil) Anderson of Valley Cottage, NY, Kevin(Tanishia) Wilkins, Cynthia "Zee Zee" (Angel) Colon` and Terrance "TJ" Wilkins; twelve grandchildren, TaNeka, Brandon, Danielle Crawford, Neil Jr., Tiffany, Kiana Anderson, Ashley Hughes, Shane, Matthew, Tyler, Jacqueline Colon' and Cahlil Wilkins;16 great grandchildren; sister, Martha K. (Norris) Gullick a host of nieces, nephews. other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday August 25, 2021 at Piedmont Memorial Gardens. His remains may be viewed from 12pm-6pm Tuesday at Hooper Funeral Home.