Dr. JAMES CALVIN WILKINS,

age 83, of North Little Rock, passed away October 3, 2022.

He was born July 13, 1939, in Memphis, Tenn., to Thomas Dale and Hazel Wilkins. He was raised in Luxora, Ark., and was an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.

Dr. Wilkins served as a Lt. Commander in the Naval Reserve. He was a 1961 graduate of Hendrix College. He attended Dental School at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and graduated in 1964. He then pursued a fellowship in pediatric dentistry at the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1967.

Dr. Wilkins took pride in his profession. He opened the first pediatric dental practice in North Little Rock. He was on staff at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for 50 years and recently honored for this achievement. He was active in Arkansas State Dental Association where he served for years in many capacities.

He was an active member of Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. He served on many boards, committees, and taught adult Sunday School class for many years.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and was always ready to help family, friends, and neighbors. He was well-liked, loving, caring, extremely organized, and hard-working. One of his greatest joys was working in his yard.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Wilkins; three sons, Dale Wilkins (Kelly), Thomas Wilkins (Karena), and Louis Wilkins (Marilyn); and six grandchildren, Taylor Wilkins Davis (Dustin), Kathryn Wilkins Kypke (Vaughn), Cameron Wilkins, Carter Wilkins, Nicholas Wilkins, and Caroline Wilkins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock. Arrangements are by Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock.An online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Dental Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.