Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez read a proclamation at the village board meeting Sept. 21 honoring longtime resident Bennie B. Wilkins, who turned 95 on July 15.
Wilkins has lived in Summit for 72 years. He was accompanied by family members at the meeting, where village officials and attendees gave him a standing ovation, clapped, and wished him a happy birthday.
“It was very nice,” Wilkins said after the meeting, smiling. “With all the people here tonight, this is special.”
Wilkins enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served until 1954, training as an electrician. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a laborer at General Motors, then joined the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier before becoming a supervisor of the electrical and maintenance departments. He retired in 1989.
He married Marguerite Jackson in June 1956. The couple has four children: Diann Wilkins-Smith, Charlette Wilkins-Davis, Tony Wilkins, and Bryan Wilkins. Wilkins is also a grandfather of eleven and great-grandfather of seven.
Wilkins is a member of Argo Temple COGIC and one of the founding members of The Uniten Corporation, a Summit investment and real estate group. He is active with Seniors on the Move.
Now, Wilkins enjoys watching sports on television and spending time with family and friends.
