Mr. Cecil Thompson Wilkins, age 91, of Lillington died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Wake Medical Center in Cary. He was born November 17, 1919 in Granville, Co. , the son of the late Jim and Lilly Wilkins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Wade "Polly" Wilkins, sister, Louise Rosser, brothers, Vassar Lewis and Russell Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins was also preceded in death by his lifelong farming partner, Norcott Ray Upchurch. He was a US Army veteran during WWII serving in the States training troops. Mr. Wilkins was a member of Pleasant Union Christian Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school superintendent and a leader to all in the church. He was a retired farmer but still loved to garden and share his produce with family and neighbors. Mr. Wilkins saved and shared his own seeds, particularly his "dividing" onions.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 11, 2011 at Pleasant Union Christian Church in Lillington with Rev. Cary Snelling and Rev. Terry Beatty officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM.

He is survived by a daughter, Cecilia "Seeky" Gregory and husband, Steven of Lillington, extended family, James Blaylock and wife Cindy of Lillington and daughters, Lauren Strickland and husband Chad, their children, Jody and Callie and Crystal Gee and husband Mike, sister, Vivian "Peggy" Burnett of Hope Mills, sister-in-law, Evelyn "Teeny" Upchurch of Lillington, several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Union Christian Church, 2164 Neills Creek Rd., Lillington, NC 27546.

The family will be using Jeffrey's Florist, 910-891-7000.Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 11, 2011 at Pleasant Union Christian Church in Lillington with Rev. Cary Snelling and Rev. Terry Beatty officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM.