JAMES H. "BUB" WILKINSON, age 74, of Estill Springs, Tenn., departed this life on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at his residence following an extended illness.  Mr. Wilkinson was born in Cowan, Tenn., to the late Woodrow and Bessie Wilkinson.  He was a 1960 Graduate of Franklin County High School.  When playing football for the FCHS Rebels, he made the 1959 All Mid-state and All State teams in football.  He then went on to play for the University of Georgia.  He played with Fran Tarkington and played against Fred Thompson.  Mr. Thompson told many people including Bub,  "the hardest I was ever hit by anyone when playing football was by Bub Wilkinson".  After moving back to Franklin County after college, he was employed for many years at the former Marquette Cement Plant in Cowan before it closed.  He was then hired to be Franklin County's one and only Rabies Control Officer or "dog catcher" until his retirement.  Mr. Wilkinson was also elected to serve two terms as a Franklin County Commissioner.  He was an avid coon hunter winning trophies and awards for his dogs and their exceptional hunting skills and abilities.  "Bub" will be greatly missed by all that knew him.  He was always friendly and never met a stranger.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilkinson was preceded in death by his brothers; Dick and Don Wilkinson, sisters; Judy Gattis, Dot Riggins, Betty Street and Clara Yates.  He is survived by his wife, Helen Wilkinson of Estill Springs and her family; Annette Sons of Winchester, Norman Sons of Decherd and Glenda Elliott of Tullahoma, daughters, Wendy Wilkinson (Bob Noblitt) of Lynchburg, Tenn., Kelly Wilkinson Bullock and husband, Jeremy of Clarksville, Tenn., grandchildren; James Isbell, Cross Bullock, Mercy Bullock, Cord Bullock and Canaan Bullock, sisters; Debbie Shockley of Winchester, Linda Cobb of Estill Springs and Mary Kay McBee of Winchester.

Visitation for Mr. Wilkinson will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Monday evening, January 23, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services.  Services for Mr. Wilkinson are scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 24, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Bro. Randy Jackson, officiating.  Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens in Winchester, Tenn.

Online condolences may be sent at www.grantfuneralservices.net

Online live viewing of the services is available by contacting Grant Funeral Services.