Gabriel Franklin Wayne Pilkerton

Gabriel Franklin “Wayne” Pilkerton, 64, of Great Mills, Maryland, passed away on October 21, 2026. Born on January 5, 1962, in Leonardtown, Maryland, Wayne spent most of his life in the community he called home.

Wayne had a true gift for working with his hands and a lifelong love of all things mechanical. He worked at Solomons Yacht Center for many years as a mechanic. Whether he was building fast cars, working on old cars, or repairing boats, Wayne found joy in bringing things to life and making them run.

Above all, Wayne was deeply loved by his family and extended family, including the Abell family. He will be remembered for the many connections he made throughout his life and for the place he held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Claudia Bell; his father, Franklin Pilkerton; and his sister, Sharon Pilkerton.

He is survived by his sister, Anna Mae Dean, and brother-in-law, Daniel B. Dean, Sr.; his nieces, Michele Jordan (Jamie), Heather (Jack), and Mark Thomas; his nephews, Daniel B. Dean II and Billy Hewitt (Richard); as well as a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. Wayne also shared many years of companionship with Shirley Combs Trossbach.

Wayne’s life will be remembered through the people he loved, the work he enjoyed, and the memories he left behind. May those memories bring comfort, smiles, and peace to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. with a funeral service at 11:00 AM in Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Interment is private.

Contributions may be made to the Second District Volunteer Fire Department.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.