David William Wilkinson

On June 12, 1947, in New Haven, Connecticut, David William Wilkinson was welcomed by his parents Ruth Mary (Hurd) and William Bowman Wilkinson, and a sister, Ruth Naomi. After graduating from Milford High School in 1965, he went to Southern Connecticut State where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1969. A lifelong learner, David went on to take four semesters of Greek from Washington Bible College just for the fun of it. Later in life he felt the call to attend seminary and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Throughout their life together, the question he asked of Virginia “Ginger” Anne Cherouny through a scripture verse written on a simple note card rang true. In Amos 3:3, the prophet asks: “Can two walk together unless they agree?” From the moment they said “I do,” in August 1972, David and Ginger walked together through all the ups and downs of life, loving and caring for one another, in sickness and in health. Together, they raised and set an example of love and faith for their two daughters, Marie Ruth and Rachel Joy, who went on to marry Sean Casey (Marie) and Paul Crumley (Rachel) and raise families of their own. His beloved wife, their daughters, their “sons-in-love”, and especially their 6 grandchildren—Erin, Liam, Gibson, Anna, Isaac, and Abby—were the joy of David’s life!

David spent 22 years working in data processing. However, his true passion has always been his faith in Jesus Christ. Baptized alongside his baby girl, Marie, he became a member of Beltsville Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, was ordained as an Elder, and served as Clerk of Session. In 1986, after moving, the Wilkinson family found a new church home at Trinity Presbyterian in Herndon, where David was active in the ministry of the congregation for the rest of his life. Through the years, he was also involved in Brethren in Harmony—a group of Christian barbershop singers; National Capital and Loudoun Valley Emmaus communities; and Gideon International.

During his time in seminary, David worked as a chaplain with United College Ministries of Northern Virginia, and upon graduation, found his niche working as a chaplain with Sterling Volunteer Rescue and later with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue for a number of years before his health kept him from being able to continue. His time working with Charlie Grant and the LCFR was some of the most joyful and fulfilling times in his life!

Another joyful and fulfilling part of David’s life was his love for and active part in community theater, where he spent over 40 years both on and off the stage, most notably when he was reprising the role of the Rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof on three separate occasions, including as part of Ashby Ponds’ drama club in 2022.

On October 5, 2024, David died at home with loved ones surrounding him and is now truly at home with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be remembered as a storyteller, through photography, poetry, sermons from the characters’ perspectives, as well as by actually telling stories about anything and everything, sometimes over and over again. David is loved and will be missed by his beloved wife, daughters, sons-in-love, and grandchildren, as well as his sister, Ruth Wilkinson Warner, and niece, Elizabeth Warner; his step siblings, John N. Hurd, Raynee Hurd, and Karla Carusone; and many cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A service of witness to the resurrection in loving memory of David William Wilkinson will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 651 Dranesville Rd., Herndon, VA 20170, with Rev. Stephen Smith-Cobbs presiding. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Trinity Presbyterian Church or the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad.