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Mr. George Madison Wilkerson

Obituary

Funeral service for Mr. George Madison Wilkerson, age 88, of Newnan, Ga., will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, 11 a.m. from the Newnan Chapel United Methodist Church with Dr. Carol Helton, pastor, officiating. Interment in the Sunset Lane Cemetery.

Affectionately referred to as "The Maestro" by members of his church, George Madison Wilkerson has had a long history of musical recognition and attributes. Music was his life.

This spiffy trendsetter was born to Stacy and Maggie Neal Wilkerson on January 7, 1921. At the age of 3 he had already answered the call to music and practiced on windowsills and any surface that was available. His plea to his mother for piano lessons were answered with, "I will give you lessons if you promise to share with (everyone)." He did, and the rest is legendary.

George developed a soft prodding and tinkling of the keys that were soothing and distinctively his own. Those who have heard him play carry warm, poignant, unforgettable memories of the magical elixir that he shared. Admirers from every walk of life would eagerly inquire of his music and well-being -- long after the music had ceased.

George received his early educational experience in the Coweta County Public School System. Later he graduated from Savannah State University with a major in English and Music and completed additional studies at Fisk University in Tennessee.

At the age of 15, he became the organist of Newnan Chapel United Methodist Church, serving until his health failed.

He retired from the public school system in Camilla, Ga., after 30 years of teaching English, conducting the high school choir and performing on the organ or piano for various groups throughout the city.

He played for banquets, weddings, funerals, black tie events, alternate programs, church sessions, and other activities.

He would serenade the residents at the local senior citizens center, and nursing homes as a special treat for them. The tinkling of the keys would alert them that he was ready and they would quietly assemble.

When George Madison Wilkerson was born, a legacy was born. That legacy was a man of patience, endurance, compassion, good humor, strong family and religious principles. He loved the Lord and was grateful for all the blessings that had been bestowed upon him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Stacy Wilkerson Sr. and Maggie Neal Wilkerson. In 1981 his parents died at the age of 100 and 99, respectively. He also was predeceased by sisters, Ellen Ruth Wilkerson of Newnan, Mary W. Campbell of Athens, Ga., and Evelyn Rambeau of New Port News, Virginia.

Loving survivors include sisters, Christola W. Jones (age 101) of Gainesville, Fla., Inez W. Robinson of Valdosta, Ga.; brothers, Henry Neal Wilkerson (age 97), Charles Stacey Wilkerson Jr. (age 94), both of Newnan; and other relatives and friends.

It was George Madison Wilkerson's fervent hope that his students would so love the piano that they would develop a style whereby music would resonate in the very soul of man kind.

Yes, The Pied Piper is no more, but his music lives on forever in the hearts of those who love him.

Sellers-Smith Funeral Home Inc., Newnan, Ga.