Ronald Max Wilkinson of Early, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on March 5, 2026, after an extended illness.
Max was born on April 4, 1951, in Lubbock, Texas, to Elvest Wayne Wilkinson and Jessie Faye Cloud Wilkinson. He graduated from Monterey High School in Lubbock in 1969, carrying with him the strong work ethic and steady character that would define his life.
Max’s varied career path reflected both his strength and his servant’s heart. He served as a police officer for the City of Lubbock and later as a jailer in the Sheriff’s Department. He spent years as a long-haul truck driver and even owned his own restaurant at one point. He later returned to school at Texas Tech University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business in 1993.
It was during his years at Texas Tech that Max met the love of his life, Paula Dean Richmon. They were married on April 1,1994, beginning a beautiful life partnership built on laughter, loyalty, and deep affection.
For twenty years, Max worked for Lowe’s Pay and Save grocery chain, helping design, build and maintain more than 100 grocery stores across Texas and New Mexico.
In 2013, he retired and he and Paula spent time traveling the western US. Eventually they settled back in Paula’s hometown of Early, Texas, where Max embraced the quieter joys of life. He loved to laugh and had a playful sense of humor. He enjoyed listening to music, playing video games, tinkering around the house and his shop, and watching television. Max cared deeply for animals and took in any that crossed his path. Around the house, he was “Mr. Fix-It.” He could repair almost anything which was a skill lovingly passed down from his father
Max is survived by his beloved wife, Paula; his daughter, Elizabeth Dawley, her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Jamie, all of Plano; his brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Mary Wilkinson of Wittmann, Arizona; his brother- and sister-in-law, Terry and Ranita Richmon of Indian Creek; his brother- and sister-in-law, Kerby and Virginia Richmon of Sachse; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Greg and Karen Woodcox of Indian Creek, along with a multitude of extended family members and dear friends who loved him deeply. Though our hearts grieve, his laughter, his kindness, and his unwavering love will remain with us always.
Max’s celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Blaylock Funeral Home in Brownwood, with a visitation prior for family and friends beginning at 10:00am, followed by the service at 11:00am. Max will be laid to rest at Indian Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
