It is with deep sadness that the Wilks family announces the death LtCol USMC (RET) Richard Paul Wilks.  LtCol Wilks (Rick), 70, of King George passed away on September 8, 2021 while on travel to Zimbabwe. He was born on December 14, 1950 in Alexandria, Louisiana to the late Malcolm Paul Wilks and Gloria Wilks Adams of Alexandria, Louisiana.  Rick had to get special permission to enter the service as he was a sole surviving son of a WWII Vet.  He served in the US Marine Corps as an attack helicopter pilot, and he served his country deploying many times around the world during his career.   He participated in the Evacuation Operations of non- combatants, and the PLO in Beirut, Lebanon.  He also served as an Intelligence Officer and became the US expert on the Soviet Hind Helicopter.  After retiring, he worked as the OPFOR (Opposing Forces) for the Marine Corp with Computer Science Corporation supporting the MAGTF Staff Training Program.  Subsequently, he became a Safari Outfitter, assisting people interested in hunting in Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand to set up and have successful hunting trips.  In King George, he was a DGIF hunter ed instructor, and was instrumental in setting up youth deer hunts and youth outdoor days at Caledon. He was chairperson of the Friends of NRA Banquets in Fredericksburg, the proceeds of which went to provide grants to many organizations in Virginia, including the NJROTC and 4-H shooting sports in King George.  Rick was passionate about mentoring youth in outdoor sports and serving his community. 

He will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, and many in his community.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and mentor to that knew him.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of over 35 years, Barbara K. Wilks, two daughters; Daune Hyams (Jon), Janelle Huffman (Mark), and 4 grandchildren; Raquel Brown, Joele Davenport, Gage Davenport, and Jasper Hyams, two sisters; Melinda Casey (Johnny) and Brenda Holmes (Bill), his mother’s sister, Vaughn Lanier as well as nieces and nephews and their children.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Round Hill Baptist Church, 16519 Round Hill Road.  Pastor Josh Thompson will be officiating the service. For those unable to attend the memorial service, it will be livestreamed and can be viewed by going to https://www.roundhillbaptist.com/sermons  Following the memorial service, there will be a reception and celebration of life at Backporch Winery, 16595 Wilmont Road, King George, VA 22485.  Interment will be with full military honors on Friday Oct. 1, at 11 am at The Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172.  A private family gathering will take place following the interment.

Please take COVID-19 precautions. Wearing a mask and social distancing as best as possible are requested. Prayers also requested for the safety and wellbeing of all who attend and those who are traveling. 

I would like to express deep gratitude to all the people who have come beside me during this difficult time. God sent me Angels.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Rick’s charity of choice.