Jack Lee Wilks

Jack Lee Wilks, 95, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of the late Mary Elizabeth Lester Wilks and widower of Beulah Simpson Wilks, entered into eternal rest Sunday, January 5, 2014. His Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2014, in Riverview Memorial Park, 3715 Azalea Drive, Charleston, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 7, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in J. HENRY STUHR, INC. WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston.

Jack was born April 26, 1918, in Troy, Alabama, son of the late William Robert Liger and Vallie Mae Youngblood Liger and adopted son of Lee Andrew Wilks and Jennie V. Youngblood Wilks. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1935, and was a 1939 graduate of Clemson College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. He served in the ROTC as a Second Lt., in the U. S. Army Reserves. Jack served in the United States Army during WWII, ( a member of our Greatest Generation.) and was awarded the Bronze Star (V), Combat Infantryman's Badge, the European Theatre Ribbon with two battle stars and the ATO Ribbon WWII Victory Medal. He served as Commander Regimental HQ Co., 353 Infantry Regiment, 89th Division. He retired as President of the Road Materials Group, Koppers Company in Pittsburgh, PA after 43 years of service.

He was a member of First Baptist Church for more than 60 years where he also taught Sunday School. Jack was a third degree Mason, Washington Lodge #5, a member of the German Friendly Society, Charleston, SC and Alpha Chi Sigma, National Honor Chemistry Society.

He is survived by two sons, Jack Lee Wilks, Jr. (Suzy), William Robert Wilks and a daughter, Jennifer Palermo all of Charleston, SC, seven grandchildren, Ryan J. Wilks, Matthew G. Wilks, Anna Clar Voiner, Beau Moore, Robin Moore, Trey Palermo and Tiffany Palermo; eleven great grand children and his sister, Cassie Siegling of Charleston, SC and four stepchildren, Don Easterlin III (Donna), Joanne Smith (Tom), Greg Easterlin (Gail) and Debbie Morris (Charles); eight step grandchildren; twelve step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jack's family would like to thank the many caregivers at Ashley River Plantation.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Charleston, 48 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 and/or Grace United Methodist Church, 1601 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston SC 29407.