Double Oak officials on Monday night paid tribute to former mayor Bill Wilkinson and his wife, Laura, with the unveiling of memorial stones at the flagpole in front of town hall and naming of the council chambers in Bill’s honor.
Members of the Wilkinson family, former neighbors of the Wilkinsons and Denton County officials shared stories about the couple that touched so many lives during their service to Double Oak.
Bill Wilkinson served as a council member before serving as mayor from 1999 to 2003. He also was a member of the Road & Drainage Committee and served as a director on the Bartonville Water Supply Corporation board.
“Bill was mayor when the new town hall was dedicated in 2002 and he was really proud over the years that the room is used for government meetings, courtroom, meeting room for organizations and used by the community,” said Double Oak Mayor Mike Donnelly.
Laura Wilkinson was a longtime member of the Double Oak Women’s Club, and had served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Public Safety Committee and Board of Adjustment.
“Laura was a kind, sweet lady who volunteered often for her community,” said Donnelly.
Bill passed away on February 2, 2015. Laura passed away 51 days later on March 25. They were married for 51 years and moved to Double Oak in 1994.
“We have all been blessed and touched to have known Bill and he would want all of us to continue to follow the path of civic duty, kindness and volunteering in your community,” said Donnelly. “The advice that Bill shared most often was, “at the end of the debate, always do what’s best for the Town of Double Oak.”
See a video of the Mayor Bill Wilkinson Community-Government Room unveiling below.
