Tyrone Wilks

Born November 12, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio to Herbert and Linda Wilks, the second youngest of his 4 other brothers. Tyrone passed away at home January 15, 2024 with his family by his side.

As a youth, Tyrone was a determined athlete. Smaller than his classmates, he still excelled in football, boxing and experienced success as a wrestling champion at Eastmoor High School. Known by the name "Shukes" amongst friends, one could say he was an influencer before social media.

As a young man, Shukes was musically a natural on the drums. So much so, that he was the drummer for "The Gangsters and I" band with some of his closest friends. He enjoyed singing, dancing, playing guitar, and even dabbled in drawing. In his prime, he could be found dressed to the nines, shirt collar always popped, rocking his classic afro or a fully pressed S-Curl.

In 1978, he met his lifelong love Teresa Loudermilk. Having lost both her parents at a young age, Tyrone covered and protected her... his family, becoming hers. From that point forward, they were "TNT". Go-getters of their time, they traveled together cross-country from Chicago to California, New York and Ohio. The bond forged throughout their many experiences never wavered over the 46yrs of family and friendship.

He previously worked with his father on the railroad for a short time as well as Columbus Airport Dobbs House, Porter Drywall, maintenance for his parents' properties, painting or lawn care in addition to whatever hustle was needed. Always there for his family, many times picking up his nieces for the Ohio State Fair in the summers. He loved being a Wilks.

In the latter years of his life he joined his family's home church, Gospel Tabernacle. Following accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour he would often speak of the goodness of God to any who listened. Though he didn't regularly attend due to his challenged mobility, he loved his pastor and his church.

Preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Linda Wilks; three brothers Herbert Ricardo, Vincent and Craig “Birdie Baby” Wilks. Tyrone is survived by the love of his life, Teresa Loudermilk Ward, daughters; Tina Esho and Charmella Wilks; son, William Loudermilk III; brother, Gary Lamont "Monty" Wilks; sister-in-law, Cheri Wilks; nephews, Craig and Zachari Wilks; nieces, Stacey (Anthony) Price and Rikki Smith. Tyrone had 5 grandson's he was so proud of Taye, Kenny, Maxie, Tony and Larry Esho, plus his 1 and only granddaughter OmoDolapo Florence "Dee Dee" Mcilwaine, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Forever missed, never forgotten.

Friday January 26, 2024
7:30pm
Gospel Tabernacle Church
1205 Hildreth Avenue
Columbus OH 43203