Joseph "Joe" Alston Wilkerson

Mr. Joseph “Joe” Alston Wilkerson, age 81, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Wilkerson was born on September 30, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Alston Red Wilkerson and Larue (Treas) Wilkerson. He formerly worked at Tappan, Murray Paving, and retired from Briggs & Stratton. Joe was of the Baptist Faith, an avid University of Kentucky Wildcat Fan, and enjoyed attending car shows.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (Burton) Wilkerson; one daughter, Amy (Wilkerson) Cox; as well as one brother, Mike Wilkerson.

Survivors include one son, Mark Alston Wilkerson and wife Suzanne of Paris, Tennessee; one daughter, Ciera Cox of Farmington, Kentucky; one sister, Sarah (Wilkerson) Crick and husband Bill of Kirksey, Kentucky; one brother, Rick Wilkerson of Florida; as well as his longtime companion, Janis (Southard) Hicks of Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Philip Bazzell and Bro. Kerry Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Watch Inc., 702 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or Murray-Calloway County Special Olympics, in care of Laura Miller, 1537 Wiswell Rd West., Murray, Kentucky 42071.

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com