Larry Van Wilkinson

Larry Van Wilkinson

October 15, 1948 – November 11, 2026

Larry Van Wilkinson, 78, of Daphne, passed away on November 11, 2026, Veterans Day.

A proud United States Navy veteran, Larry served from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam era. Veterans Day held a special place in his heart. Each year, he counted down the days until the Veterans Day assembly at Bayside Academy, one of the few occasions when he welcomed recognition for his military service. His passing on Veterans Day was especially meaningful to his family.

Larry was a hardworking, generous man with a strong will and an even bigger heart. He was always willing to help others and never hesitated to be there when someone needed him.

In 1984, Larry and his late business partner, Shelton Dewberry, founded Bay Breeze Heating & Air in Spanish Fort. Together, they built a successful business that became a staple of the community and an important part of Larry's legacy.

His dedication to the community extended well beyond his business. For many years, Larry served as president and in other board positions with the Civitan Park youth baseball organization, while also coaching youth baseball. From the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, chances were that if you played baseball in Spanish Fort, you wore a jersey bearing the Bay Breeze Heating & Air name, posed for a team picture in front of its sign, or stood beside one of the unforgettable bright orange Bay Breeze vans.

Larry's involvement went far beyond coaching and sponsorships. If a child needed a ride, equipment, or even a place to stay, he made sure it happened. He believed every child deserved the opportunity to play and be part of a team, regardless of their circumstances.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Larry also volunteered countless hours helping build athletic facilities at Daphne High School. His dedication was recognized with induction into the Baldwin County Varsity Association's Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Daphne High School Hall of Fame as an Associate Member in 2008.

Larry enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved traveling with his wife, Vickie, spending time with friends, and watching Alabama football. He never turned down a good steak and had a special place in his heart for Waffle House.

Of all Larry's accomplishments, nothing brought him more happiness than his family, especially his grandchildren. He didn't need much in the way of hobbies or entertainment. Whatever his grandkids were involved in, he wanted to be right there with them. Whether cheering them on or simply enjoying their company, being part of their lives was what he treasured most.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Vickie Loretta Wilkinson, whom he married on January 12, 1971; his sons, Billy Joe Wilkinson (Amy Batson Wilkinson) of Madison, Mississippi, and Christopher Mark Wilkinson (Dailey Barnette Wilkinson) of Fairhope; and his eight grandchildren: Taya Barnes (Ryder Barnes) of Silverhill; Christopher Gantt Wilkinson, Luke Cullen Wilkinson (fiancée Amelia Skye Porto), Luci Elizabeth Wilkinson, Jack Deasy Wilkinson, John Ben Wilkinson, and Ann Everette Wilkinson, all of Fairhope; and Parker Batson Wilkinson of Madison, Mississippi.

He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Eden Monroe Barnes and Charlotte Claire Barnes of Silverhill; his brother, Dean Higginbotham of Point Clear; and his sister, Susie Blackard of Daphne.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Luther Mcleod Wilkinson; his mother, Marie Butgereit Higginbotham; and his brothers, David Higginbotham and Darwin "Boo Boo" Higginbotham.

Funeral services will be held from the Chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Daphne, AL Tuesday, 11/17/2026 at 11:00am.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

Interment will follow at the Alabama State Veteran's Cemetery, Spanish Fort, AL at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Larry's name to American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope, honoring his lifelong pride in serving his country.

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