David was born in Queens, NY. He is the third son out of four boys born to Dr. Ruby Barnes and Mr. Lawrence Wilkins. David graduated from Jamaica High School and went on to serve in the Army Reserves. After the Reserves, David took a job with Verizon Wireless corporation. During his time as a technician, he would then go on to earn his bachelors and Master’s degree from NYU. David was a hardworking man with many accomplishments. David would meet and marry his then wife Betanya and become a father to her 2 young daughters, Tanisha and Jessica, and they would later have their miracle baby, Courtney. Raising three daughters, he had no choice but to be a girl dad. Later in life, he would meet his current wife, Raysa, and become a father to her two children, Perla and Erick.

Everyone loved David, because he was a loving man. He was a man you wanted to know, full of wisdom and intellect. To his homeboys he was “Max”, cool and chill. To his family, he was comfort and protection, always willing to be there for those he loved. David was an avid reader with countless books. He enjoyed sports but baseball most of all. He enjoyed traveling and taking long walks with his dog, T'challa, and spending time with family and friends. But most of all he was a giver. There was nothing he would not do for anybody.

David was truly a man after God’s own heart. He is a man of honor, love, and great dignity. He is forever in our heart’s and will always be cherished.

David leaves behind his wife, Raysa Wilkins, his children, Tanisha Johnson, Courtney Wilkins, Pearla Ogando & Eric Lineras, Proceeding in death his daughter, Jessica Pipkins. He also leaves behind his parents, Dr. Ruby Barnes, Mr. Lawrence Wilkins, and Elsie Wilkins, brothers, Leonard, Kevin, and Lawrence Wilkins, grandchildren, Presten, Brian, Isaiah, Lyla, and Zoe, son in laws, Daryl & Brian, as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Military services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, S.C.

Public viewing will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at A A Dicks Funeral Home, 6400 N. Main Street, Columbia, S.C. 29203

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville, GA is in charge of arrangements for Mr. David Wilkins.