Virgil Wilkerson Jr.

Obituary

Virgil Wilkerson Jr. or Baybee as he is lovingly called, was a man of many talents and passions. From a young age, he knew he was destined for greatness. His parents, Mrs. Willie and Mr. Virgil Wilkerson II raised him with love and instilled in him a strong faith in God.

Virgil’s journey began in Bessemer, Alabama where he found Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in the Pipeshop area and it was there that his love for God and his community flourished. After graduating from Brighton High School in 1969, Virgil attended Lawson State Community College where he obtained an Associates degree in Liberal Arts, but his thirst for knowledge and determination to succeed did not stop there. He set his sights on Tulane University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1977. It was at Tulane where Virgil met the love of his life, Deborah Sue Jeffries. They were inseparable from the moment they met and were married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones.

After graduation, Virgil landed a job at Monsanto Corporation in Lockhart Texas. His career as a Chemical Engineer was a successful one and he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually landing a position at Southern Company Nuclear Plant in Dothan Alabama where he served on numerous boards ad committees receiving a host of awards, accommodations and promotions within his prospective field. Virgil retired from Southern Company after 30+ years of dedicated service.. Virgil was not only dedicated to his work, but he also had a passion for creating and teaching. This led him to open his own BBQ restaurant, VG’s Bar-B-Que in Dothan Alabama. His signature BBQ sauce was loved by all and his restaurant became a local hotspot, Virgil’s interests were not limited to BBQ and engineering, but he had a love for art and jazz music, which he shared with his wife and friends. They would often attend music festivals together. In Virgil’s free time he would enjoy traveling and playing golf with family and friends. It was a time for him to relax and enjoy the company of his loved ones, but his love for his community extended beyond family and friends. Virgil was a sponsor and advocate for rehabilitated individuals, offering them a second chance at life. He was also a mentor to many, taking great pride in being a positive role model and example of life lessons.

Despite his successes, Virgil remained humble and grounded in his faith. He was a man of strong convictions and always stood firm in his beliefs. Even in his later years, when his health began to decline, when asked how he was doing, he would always reply with a smile and say “GOD GOT ME!”

On Saturday June 8, 2024 at 6:28pm, Vigil’s prayers were answered. God came and got him to take him home and he was finally free from the physical pain and discomfort of mortal life. He was reunited with his beloved wife, mother, father and other family members who had gone before him.

Virgil is survived by his sisters, Thanita, Debra, Elizabeth and Wanda; his brothers, Elliott, Oscar and Gregory; he also leaves behind his niece Kaila; nephews, Errol, Antoine, Edwin and Antonio. His memory lives through his loved ones and the impact he made n his community. Virgil’s life may have ended physically, but his eternal legacy will continue to inspire and touch the lives of many. He will always be remembered as a man of faith, love and unwavering determination, who lived life to the fullest and left a mark on everyone he met.