Ernest Garfield Wilkins III, Ernie or “Trey” went home to Jesus on Monday, July 27 at 12:01 p.m., surrounded by family. He was the son of Dr. E.G. Wilkins, Jr. and Virginia Wilkins (Hamlin), born December 4, 1941 in Brunswick, GA. 

Trey had a long life full of adventures. He played guitar at 15, loved playing street softball with neighbors, working out and learning gymnastics. His talent was noticed by college coaches and he was offered three full gymnastics scholarships. His family obligations prevented him from accepting them. He began working at JAX Navy base and attended 4 years of Technical College in Industrial Engineering, graduating at the top of his class and elected class president. Trey was employed at the Calibration lab on the base as an engineering tech calibrating Navy jets computer systems. He loved tennis, scuba diving, water skiing, snow skiing, dirt bikes and airplanes and cruising. He and Debbie cruised to many places in the world. He built many “tissue and sticks” model airplanes with intricate details. 

In 1983, he moved his family to Mt. Vernon, Illinois and opened a hobby shop called “ABC Hobbies, airplanes, boats and cars. Many residents learned to fly model airplanes and he created a flying field at the local college field which still exists today. Although his business was successful in a short time, he returned to his Civil Service job in Jacksonville. He retired after 41 years. Trey also had a private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying with his wife and daughter. He was a member of the Elks Lodge 1892 in Green Cove Springs. His love of music led him to play guitar in the praise band at Orange Park Methodist church as a member for several years. Trey played tennis until January 2026, when he had a stroke and his vision was affected. He could no longer play tennis, do Sudoku, play guitar, watch TV, or anything he enjoyed. In May he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor and passed away on July 27, surrounded by his wife of 49 years, Debbie, son Ernie Wilkins IV, daughter Laurel Yearwood (Jason), grandsons Hunter and Holton Yearwood. He is also survived by his grandson, Hayden Yearwood, deployed on the Abraham Lincoln carrier in the Iranian Sea, his brother, Dennis Donnell (Marianne), sister DeAnne Adams (John) and many nieces and nephews. 

His memorial service will be on August 15th at 10:00AM at Orange Park Methodist Church, Orange Park, FL. A luncheon will follow services. 

Memorial donations may be made to Orange Park Methodist Church.