Dr. William Wilkins, Parsons Native and Former Knox County Education Director Dies

Dr. William Jerry Wilkins, a Parsons native who led technological, business, and adult education for the Knox County School System, died Jan. 17, 2026, at Green Crest Assisted Living in Parsons. His passing removes a figure who bridged local roots, military service, higher education, and regional workforce development.

Wilkins was born in Decatur County on December 30, 1936, to William Howell and Roberta Rebecca (Rhodes) Wilkins. He graduated from Parsons High School and served four years in the U.S. Navy, undertaking two years of sea duty in the Pacific Ocean and later 18 months of shore duty in Charleston, South Carolina. After his military service, Wilkins completed three degrees at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Science, and a Doctor of Education.

After three years teaching, Wilkins spent the remainder of his career in educational administration, culminating in his role as Director of Technological, Business, and Adult Education in the Knox County School System. Following his administrative career, Wilkins worked as a consultant with manufacturing firms, surveying and studying employee attitudes toward management, and taught night classes at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Those positions positioned Wilkins at the intersection of K-12 career and technical education, higher education, and private-sector workforce concerns.

Locally, Wilkins remained connected to Parsons through religious and community life as a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and through burial plans at Hopewell Cemetery. His life tracks a common Decatur County arc: small-town beginnings, military service, university credentials, and a professional life that influenced educational pathways beyond county lines. For Decatur County residents, Wilkins’ death underscores how local people can shape regional education policy and workforce training programs, and it highlights the ongoing need for sustained investment in adult education and technical training.

Wilkins was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Melba L. (Price) Wilkins of Tyler, Texas. Survivors include his son William Benton Wilkins of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mrs. Linda Lewis, described as his love and strength, along with her children Karen (Glenn) McClure, Amy Pratt (Randy Redden), and Mark (Shanda) Lewis; Mrs. Lewis’ five grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at Parsons Mortuary. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2:30 PM in the Parsons Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow in Hopewell Cemetery. Funeral services are being provided by Parsons Mortuary, 134 W 2nd St, Parsons, TN 38363.

Wilkins’ death is a moment for the Parsons community to honor a local veteran and educator whose career connected Decatur County to broader conversations about vocational training, adult learning, and workforce readiness. The upcoming services give neighbors and former colleagues the chance to pay respects and reflect on how local leadership continues to shape regional education and employment opportunities.