William Paul Wilkins, age 52, Erwin, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at his residence. He was a native of Unicoi County and lived in Prince William County, Virginia for twenty years before returning to Erwin. Paul is a son of William F. “Bill” Wilkins and the late Rosetta Arrowood Wilkins. Paul was a Veteran of the United States Air Force Presidential Honor Guard. He performed duties as Ceremonial Guardsman at White House Ceremonies, Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, performed security and ceremonial duties at the Pentagon. Paul was assigned as Honor Guard Security Manager. He was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service. Paul's final rank and grade was Sergeant. He was employed with Alexandria Office of Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff from 1990-1995. Paul was assigned to Sheriff's Warrant and Fugitive Unit. He received five commendations for actions in the line of duty. Paul received a Medal of Valor from Alexandria Chamber of Commerce for Meritorious Actions. Paul was a Police Officer for Prince William County Police Department for eighteen and a half years. He attended Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy where he graduated first in class, receiving Director's Academic Achievement Award. He was elected as second session Class President. Paul was promoted to Senior Sergeant in 2003 and was assigned as Garfield Station Supervisor/Teleserve Unit Supervisor. He was a September 11, 2001 First Responder and was awarded a Commemorative Medal. Paul was awarded many other Awards and Commendations during his career as a Police Officer. Paul received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at James Madison University in 2001. He received his Master of Science Degree in Public Administration from James Madison University in 2003. He was a member of Southside Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to his father, William F. “Bill” Wilkins, he leaves behind two sons: Joshua Paul Wilkins, Erwin and Sgt. Jonathan Carl Wilkins (Renda), Usarpaz. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, June 19, 2020 at Southside Freewill Baptist Church. Reverend Kevin Laws will officiate at the 7:00 PM funeral service. Committal service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 AM Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Paul to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Wilkins family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Wilkins family. (423) 743-1380.