James Luke Wicker

PERRY – James Luke Wicker, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, after an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., and the funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Dexter, Georgia, will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Georgia Hospice Care Options, 1125 Walnut Street, Macon, GA 31201.

A 1958 graduate of East Laurens High School, Luke began “mechanic-ing” at an early age. He worked for Yancey in Macon, particularly on Caterpillar equipment, for nearly ten years, then opened his own repair shop where he retired as a Heavy Equipment Service Specialist. Luke worked on all types of equipment including dump trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, etc. for most of his life, nearly seventy years, and thoroughly enjoyed his job. Full of knowledge about all parts of heavy equipment, he could usually explain over the telephone how to complete a repair without even seeing the broken part. In his spare time, Luke could be found fishing or coon hunting. He was a strong man with a big heart. His family was very important to him, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren, Scotland Grace and Bennett Luke, who lovingly referred to him as “Pops.” When they were little, he would pull them in a little red wagon, and various animals would follow the wagon around the yard, including goats and cats. Sometimes, Pops would get inside the wagon and the grandchildren would try to push him. When they were older, Scotland Grace would turn to him for repairs on her car, especially when the low tire pressure light was lit because, to her, he was the best to fix anything. When Pops was the one picking up Bennett Luke after school, they would always stop at Dairy Queen to get an M&M Blizzard. No matter the age, though, Pops was one of their biggest supporters.

Luke was preceded in death by his parents, William Madison and Sarah Chapman Wicker; a son, Bennett Gordon “Ben” Wicker; and a brother, Pete Wicker.

Left to cherish the memories they made with Luke are his loving and devoted wife of fifty-six years, Sue Wicker of Perry; his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Lisa Wicker of Perry; his grandchildren, Scotland Grace Wicker of Americus and Bennett Luke Wicker of Perry; his brothers, Billy Wicker (Grace) and Ronnie Wicker (Lisa), both of Dublin; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com