Wilkinson's history in the ring goes back to the 1930's where he fought in Charlotte's first Carolinas Golden Gloves championship in 1933. Wilkinson won the bantamweight crown at that even and later captured two Carolinas Golden Gloves lightweight titles in 1935 and 1939. Through 125 career bouts, Wilkinson dropped only four and was never knocked out.

Recognized as a smart ring general with good punching power in both hands, Wilkinson attended King College on a boxing scholarship and was undefeated during his college career. Wilkinson fought as a lightweight at King.

Outside of the ring, Wilkinson spent many years as an executive with the Coca-Cola company in Bristol and reared three children with his wife Elizabeth, now deceased.