Athens - Funeral services for Keith Wilkinson, 74, of LaRue, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens, with a private family burial to follow at Post Oak Cemetery near Malakoff.

Keith Felon Wilkinson peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born January 20, 1952, in Port Arthur, Texas, Keith was the son of Jewel Wilkinson and Nelda Rae (Cowart) Wilkinson. He graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School in 1970 and spent more than 25 years as a project manager with EnGlobal Engineering in Houston.

But a résumé could never tell you very much about Keith Wilkinson.

To really know Keith, you needed to know his faith, his family, his love for people—and, of course, his motorcycles.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Poynor, Keith's faith shaped the way he lived and carried him through life's most difficult seasons. Through several strokes, motorcycle accidents, physical setbacks, and countless hours of therapy, Keith showed remarkable determination. Giving up simply wasn't in his nature. He worked hard to recover and remained grateful to God for every new day.

Keith also believed faith was meant to be shared. He and his beloved wife, Linda, participated in a water ministry for bikers, sharing cold water, kindness, conversation, and the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was also involved with the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Keith never met a stranger. He was a talker, storyteller, and loyal friend who would show up when someone needed help. He also had an unmistakable way with words. He might tell you he was "full as a tick," announce he was "fixin' to" do something, and anyone who reached his voicemail probably remembers how his instructions ended:

"You know the drill."

Motorcycles were one of Keith's great passions. He traveled across Texas and throughout the country, collecting miles, memories, and friendships along the way. For more than 15 years, he taught motorcycle safety, helping others safely experience the freedom of the open road.

In later years, one of Keith's favorite riding companions was Dixie, his beloved dog, who happily rode beside him in a motorcycle sidecar. Together they became a familiar sight around Safari Waters Ranch. Dixie passed away just four days before Keith, bringing some comfort in knowing the two weren't apart for very long.

The greatest human love of Keith's life was Linda.

In many ways, Keith and Linda were opposites—and how Keith ever got Linda on a motorcycle may remain one of his greatest accomplishments. Together they shared adventures, ministry, laughter, difficult seasons, and a love that never ceased. Linda's passing in 2025 left an enormous space in Keith's heart, but his faith gave him confidence they would one day be together again.

Keith also understood that family isn't defined only by blood.

To Joanna, he was never simply a stepfather. He was Dad - more important he was KEITH.

Keith showed her that being a father meant showing up, loving, teaching, guiding, and staying. He played an instrumental role in Joanna's Christian journey, encouraging her faith and helping lead her toward her own profession of faith and believer's baptism. She considers the faith he helped nurture in her among the greatest gifts he ever gave her.

Keith also shared a special bond with Pamela Smith of Palestine, whom he loved and considered another daughter.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel and Nelda Wilkinson; his beloved wife, Linda Wilkinson; and his faithful four-legged companion and sidecar partner, Dixie.

He leaves behind his daughters, Teressa Lynn Faulk of San Diego, California, and Dr. Joanna Lynn Faulk of LaRue; his brothers, Gary Trammell and wife Cindy of Athens, and Steve Trammell of Cross Roads; Pamela Smith of Palestine, whom he loved as a daughter; along with extended family, fellow riders, church family, neighbors, caregivers, and treasured friends.

Keith's family extends heartfelt gratitude to Leslee Dunn, Ranetta Wilson, and Maria "LuLu" Resendiz, whose caregiving grew into genuine friendship and love, and to his wonderful Safari Waters Ranch neighbors and friends, especially Julie Smith and Rob and Jane Greene.

Keith's earthly ride may have come to an end, but what he leaves behind hasn't. It remains in the faith he shared, the riders he taught, the people he helped, the daughters he loved, the stories he told, and the lives made better because Keith Wilkinson was part of them.

And somewhere beyond the road we can see, his family likes to imagine Linda was waiting for him, Dixie wasn't very far behind, and Keith has already discovered that the roads in Heaven are even better than he imagined.

And for those who knew him well, perhaps he'd simply smile and say:

"You know the drill."

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.