R. W. "Buzzy" Wilkinson

R. W. “Buzzy” Wilkinson passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at the age of 83 following a short illness. He was born on November 18, 1932 in Welch, West Virginia and was the son of the late E. M. Wilkinson, M. D. and Addie Mae “Johnson” Wilkinson of Pineville, WV. He is survived by Patricia Ann Hayes Wilkinson; and two sons, Richard Ernest “Rick” Wilkinson and Frank Warren Wilkinson and his wife Gina Butcher Wilkinson of Bluefield, VA. Also three grandchildren Anne Warren Wilkinson, Caroline Pearson Hayes Wilkinson, and Frank Thomas Wilkinson of Bluefield, VA. He is also survived by his brother E. M. Wilkinson, Jr. of Covington, VA. He graduated from Greenbrier Military Academy in Lewisburg, WV and then attended the University of Virginia and graduated in 1955. He was an exceptional athlete and became the first basketball player to have his jersey number 14 retired at the University of Virginia. He was also recognized as an All American in 1954 and 1955 and still holds the single season ACC scoring record for averaging 32.1 points per game in 1955. He scored 2,233 points during his college career and is currently third on the University’s all-time scoring list. He also averaged 28.6 points per game for a career and scored 898 points his senior year which is a record as well. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in that same year. He was honored on July 25, 2015 at the Sports Legends Reunion at the Beckley Moose Club. They referred to him as the “Jerry West of the University of Virginia.” He decided to give up a career with the Celtics following a car accident and attended law school at The University of Virginia graduating in 1962. He moved to Bluefield, West Virginia and worked at The First National Bank of Bluefield (now First Century Bank) and had a rewarding banking career that lasted for 50 years. He retired as President and CEO on December 31, 2010. He was still active on the boards of the Bank and Holding Company at the time of his death. His passion was working with people and making the community a better place to live for everyone. Buzzy also served as President of the H. I. Shott, Jr. Foundation, as well as, the Ethel N. Bowen Foundation. He was active in many civic organizations and believed in giving of his time for the betterment of the community. In accordance with his wishes, the family will have a private service. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Christ Episcopal Church, 200 Duhring Street, Bluefield WV 24701, for their Food Pantry Program. Those wishing to share memories or condolences may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com

R. W. "Buzzy" Wilkinson

November 18, 1932 - January 15, 2016