WAYCROSS — Mr. Richard “Dwight” Wildes, 72, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his residence in Waycross following an extended illness.
He was born in Waycross to the late John Adrian Wildes and Ruby Lee Perritt Wildes. He was a 1971 graduate of Ware County High School. Following graduation, he worked at Cauley’s Meat Packing Company before beginning a successful career as an insurance agent with Union National and Gulf Life Insurance Companies. During his time as
Wildes
an insurance agent, he earned numerous awards, including Top Salesman in the Super Club, which allowed him to travel to destinations such as Hawaii, London, Acapulco, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cancun. Wildes was also the owner of Waycross Housing Mobile Homes and later concluded his career in 2001 with Clayton Homes of Jacksonville.
In his spare time, he enjoyed sitting on the porch visiting with friends and reminiscing about fishing, racing, Fox News and President Trump, his Plymouth GTX from his younger days, and the many years he spent in the mobile home industry.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.T. and Clara Wildes and Roscoe and Agnes Perritt; his fatherand mother-in-law, J.W. and Delores O’Berry; and a brother-in-law, Denton Dial.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Wildes of Waycross; four sons, Jamey Wildes (Brenda) of Hoboken, Joey Wildes (Angie) of Hoboken, Johnny Wildes (Caty) of Waycross, and Jason Wildes of Waycross; 11 grandchildren, Jordan McKee (Garrett), Taylor Lytle (Zack), Reagan Wildes, Brooklyn Wildes, Owen Wildes, Judd McDaniel, Cayden McDaniel, Parker Wildes, Paislee Wildes, Payden Wildes, and Paxton Wildes; two great grandchildren, Hayden McKee, Judson Wildes, and another on the way; a brother, Tommy Wildes (Vickie) of Columbia, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would also like to thank his special friends who took the time to visit and check on him: Jonathan Harrison, Billy Bennett, Joey Mancil, Jonathan McCloskey, Larry Davis, Gary Carr, David Callahan, Wanda Westberry, and Michael Lynn. The family is especially grateful to his hospice nurse, Nichole Peacock, and to all of the hospice staff who provided compassionate care and support during this time.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Memorialization will be by cremation.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.
