Talmadge D. Wilkins, III

            Talmadge DeWitt Wilkins, III, of Union, South Carolina, passed away on May 15, 2023, at Eden Terrace of Spartanburg, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

            He was the son of the late Talmadge D. Wilkins, Jr. and Martha Bradley Wilkins of Blacksburg, South Carolina.  He was a 1970 graduate of The Citadel (Company C), and graduated from Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dentistry in 1974. He then began his 44-year career as general dentist in Union, SC, where he was known as a “painless” dentist who gave the best shots.

            In addition to professional and educational organizations, Tal was involved in many community activities.  He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, volunteered with the Boys Scouts of America; and was an assistant coach for the National Champion Union Stingers Rifle team.  He was a member of the Union Rotary Club for over 40 years, a past president and Paul Harris Fellow.  He was known as the choir director of THE Supper Club, and a member of GUTS (Greater Union Tournament and Social). Tal was the epitome of the “social” and less of the “tournament.”  He was a gentleman farmer and chef specializing in pig pickin’s, fried turkeys, and elaborate tailgates.  He also enjoyed hunting and snow skiing, but most of all, taking care of his family and friends and spoiling his grandchildren.

            Tal is survived by his wife of 51 years Mary Ann Hood Wilkins; sons Talmadge D. Wilkins, IV (Leah) of Aiken, SC and Andrew B. Wilkins (Janye) of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Witt, Loren, Turner, and Sally; sisters Beth Shropshire, Martha “Sissy” Brock, Susan Wallace (Elliott), all of Rock Hill, SC, Judy Rose (Ken) of Denver, NC, and Mary Hardin (Edgar) of York, SC, brother-in-law, William Hood (Rozlynn) of Anderson, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

            A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Union, SC on Saturday May 20th, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends immediately following the services.

             In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.

            Tal’s family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the excellent and compassionate care given to him and his family by the staff and administration of Eden Terrace of Spartanburg.  

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