Billy Duane Wilkinson

Billy Duane Wilkinson, 67, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Billy was born on July 10, 1958, in Memphis, Texas, to Billy and Doris Wilkinson. He grew up in Amarillo and graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1976.

In 1977, Billy began his career at Asarco as a mobile mechanic, where he worked faithfully for 38 years until his retirement in 2015.

Outside of work, Billy had one lifelong passion—driving fast and working on cars. With help from his dad, he began racing at the early age of eight in the soap box derby and quickly moved up to the Amarillo dirt track at 15. Billy went on to fulfill a lifelong dream of racing pro-stock at the Amarillo Dragway. He traveled all over the Panhandle and surrounding areas, entering every race he could find. He earned plenty of bragging rights and filled his shop with trophies and prizes that told the story of his racing days.

As Billy grew older, his love for fast cars remained, but being a grandpa became his greatest joy. He spent nearly every day with his grandchildren, who held his heart in their hands.

Billy is survived by his son, Kenny Wilkinson and wife Kelbi, and their children Benji and Holley; his daughter, Kerri Wilkinson, and her children Jaidon, Ayden, Mason, and Gracie; his sister, Margie Oster and husband Bobby; and his brother, Chris Ray and Kami. They will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Dean Wilkinson; mother, Lela Doris Wilkinson; sisters, Elaine Wilkinson and Candy Wilkinson; and brother, Robbie Wilkinson.

A celebration of life will be held at Gateway Church, 5416 Dumas Drive, Amarillo, Texas, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Rowe Cemetery, FM 1932, Hedley, Texas.