EDWARD BROOKS WILKINSON JR.

Edward Brooks Wilkinson Jr., 66, husband of Shannon Milkie Wilkinson, died Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Prisma Health Tuomey.
Brooks was born in Sumter on March 3, 1958. He was brought home to 9 Ellen Drive, the home he lived in until his death after inheriting it from his family.

He started playing music at a very young age. Being raised in his parents' and uncle and aunt's music store all his life, you could say music was in his bones. He played many instruments, but the drums were where his talents really showed. Brooks could play the drums like no other! He started playing in local bands with many musicians, some that still play around Sumter today. But it was with the pop rock band Prime Tyme in which Brooks broke out. He played all over the United States, opening up for huge bands such as the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Ace Freely of Kiss. He played with gusto and passion, giving his audience a unique experience each time. After playing and touring for over 18 years with Prime Tyme, Brooks came off the road to start running the family music store, SEACO Music. He still played music with his wife in their band As-If around town and surrounding areas.

But it was the birth of his son, Dakota, that led Brooks to his last big gig. He found his forever church at the First Church of God, where he helped start the praise band. Here is where Brooks played the most joyfully. He worshipped from his drum riser for over 21 years. He loved his family with all of his heart. He spent as much time with his children and grandchildren as he could. He loved nature. Being at the beach, the mountains, the springs in Florida or on a boat was where Brooks was the happiest outside of home, SEACO or church.
Brooks had faith that DID move mountains. He beat two kinds of cancer against all odds and what doctors said could be done. We were blessed with an extra 13 years many said couldn't happen and couldn't explain why. Brooks could. He would tell anyone that would listen that his God could do the impossible, and he was right. Brooks never lost faith; even when it got dark over the last few weeks, he kept his eyes on the light. Brooks simply loved God. That love showed in the way he cared about his family, friends, church and customers. Later in life, he discovered a talent and love for teaching drums at the "Beat Lab." He will be missed by many because he touched many. His favorite Christmas movie was "It's a Wonderful Life," and Brooks Wilkinson is the real-life George Bailey, the richest man who ever lived because he was so loved by so many. He leaves behind a legacy of music and talent but more importantly the legacy of love and hope.

Survivors include his wife; two children, Leah Wilkinson Daly (David McCauley) of Monroe, North Carolina, and Dakota Brooks Wilkinson of Columbia; three grandchildren, Luke, River and Cassidy; a sister, Til Wilkinson Morisey (Stephen) of Florence; a niece, Nina W. Horton (Josh) of Bryson City, North Carolina; and a great-nephew, Maclane.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Sumter First Church of God with the Rev. Ron Bower officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Briggs, Jay Parnell, Keith Logan, J.D. McKnight, Dave Auerbach, Butch Ardis and Richard Ramsay.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Sumter First Church of God and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Sumter First Church of God, 1835 Highway 521 North, Sumter, SC 29153 or to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, c/o MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.