Harold Wilkes, 85, of Harrison, Tennessee known to many as "Coach" passed on into heaven to be with the Lord on December 23, 2017.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1932, in Valley Head, Al., where he met the love of his life, Nancy Chadwick, and they were married June 13, 1952, and remained married until he passed away. He served two years in the U.S. Army and returned to Chattanooga where he attended the University of Chattanooga, now UTC, where he played football and earned a degree in biology. He became an assistant football coach under the guidance of his mentor, Scrappy Moore, which was the beginning of his 30-year career at UTC serving as assistant football coach, head football coach, and athletic director. His love of football was surpassed by his love and devotion to his players who became like sons to him and he became like a father to many as evidenced by lifelong relationships. He was blessed and thankful for all of his many friends. Above all, he was a very loving and devoted husband, father, and papa who was loved deeply in return.
Harold Wilkes was preceded in death by his parents, Presley and Alma Wilkes and his brother, Lebron Wilkes.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy; two daughters, Jerri and Paula and four grandchildren, Brooke (Justin) Rongey, Blake, Taylor and Preston all of Chattanooga; sisters-in-law, Joyce Wilkes and Leona Chadwick and brother-in-law, Berlis Chadwick along with several loved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was the church he loved and was a long-time member. It is located at 1505 N. Moore Road in Chattanooga. The family is requesting your understanding that, due to this very difficult time, there will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Harold Wilkes scholarship fund by sending checks payable to The UC Foundation. In the memo section of your check, please put Harold Wilkes Scholarship Fund and mail to: Chattanooga Athletics (Attn: Mocs Club) 615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403.