Thad Harold Wilkinson, Jr., age 83, passed away at Perfect Care on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. A native of Sumter County, he was born on July 3, 1938 to the late Thad and Sara Wilkinson, Sr. He was the Mayor of DeSoto for 17 years. He also was the founding member of DeSoto Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Wilkinson was the past President of the National Rural Letter Carrier Auxiliary and former board member of Atlanta Postal Credit Union. Among many talents he was also a 5th grade teacher in Lee County for 14 years and the former owner of Thad Wilkinson Store in DeSoto. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Carter officiating. Interment to follow at DeSoto City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the social hall at Salem United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Josiah Wilkinson, Brett Sellars, Mike Horne, Mike Gurley, Jimmy Thaxton, and Chase Burns. Please practice social distancing guidelines and masks are encouraged. Survivors include wife of 61 years, Mary Wilkinson of DeSoto; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tommy and Susan Wilkinson of Black Mountain, NC., and Thad and Sally Wilkinson, III of Port St. Lucie, FL.; daughter and son-in-law, Molly and Will Sellars of Ellaville; four grandchildren, Sara & Colin Holmes, Brett Sellars, Brandi Sellars, and Josiah & Hannah Wilkinson; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Wyndy and Bubba Davis of Leesburg, Sara and Jim Franklin of Loganville, GA., and Nancy and Tony Tucker of Marietta. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Interhope, PO Box 700788 Wabasso, FL. 32970 or to Phoebe Sumter Hospice 126 E Furlow St. Americus, GA. 31709.