Daniel J. Wilkinson, age 71, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2022. He was born October 5, 1950 in Meridian, MS to Bob & Joyce Wilkinson. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Daniel was a Deputy for the Polk County Sheriff's Office for over 25 years. He also was a former State Trooper, Homicide Investigator, Traffic at Florida Highway Patrol and Piper Aircraft Corp. He is survived by his son Randy Wilkinson & wife Jill of Bluffton, SC, granddaughter Ava Wilkinson, sister Judy Pressett & husband Bob, two brothers Richard Wilkinson & wife Zenida and Billy Wilkinson. Family will receive friends Friday, June 24, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm Friday, June 24, 2022 at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com