CLAUDE C. WILCOX SR.
Copyright © 2019 Doc Wilcox
Claude C. Wilcox Sr.
May 10, 1929 - August 28, 1999
husband of Marie Ann Wilcox (Doyle)
#WilcoxStrong Family
May 10, 1929 - August 28, 1999
husband of Marie Ann Wilcox (Doyle)
#WilcoxStrong Family
We have assembled here today to celebrate the life of my father, Claude C. Wilcox, Sr. Dad would have been happy to know that each of you had taken the time and made the effort to be here. And while the circumstances that bring us together are solemn, it affords us the opportunity to appreciate how much he enriched each of our lives. Our memories of him may be as diverse as the people each of us is, but in all of our minds; he was a good and honest man. His death can in no way diminish the importance he had in our lives. The way he lived his life can only serve as a model to drive us to be better and stronger individuals.
Let me share with you just some of the thoughts and recollections of certain characteristics about my Dad that I have fondly recalled over the last several days. The often-visible beads of sweat on his forehead were from the work ethic he inherited from his parents, whom he loved dearly. Like his parents, he was diligent in all of his efforts. He provided for our family all of the things that we could have possibly hoped for.
My brothers and I were treated equally, fairly and with a firmness that made us better men. He made certain that we had the best education and quality of life we could have hoped for, as both he and our mother made numerous sacrifices. He asked nothing more from us than our best effort and never stood in judgment of that effort or compared us. In his eyes, we were all his boys and luckily, we will always be his boys.
His smile and the sparkle in his eyes transcend generations and like him, will always remain with us. He generously handed these down for us to have as can be seen by looking on the faces of his children and grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren. Each one of them he held special in their own way. I recall watching his beaming smile as my daughters, Shannon and Brittany, played on the floor and I caught him watching them. I also remember him fishing with little Bill and the way he enjoyed Billy’s excitement. Christmas visits from his grandkids saw him carrying what seemed an endless stream of wrapped presents, only later to be bagging trash and helping load the treasures for the trips home. Dad thrived and drew energy from all nine of his little gems. He was easy with a hug and a kiss.
He was also a loving and devoted husband. He cherished his wife, my mother, Marie. A love so true can only be a once in a lifetime gift. He gave that gift to my mother and she back to him. They danced a million dances to music none of us could hear or appreciate, but God bless them, they knew the tune and knew it well. Better parents a child could not ask for.
He was passionate with regards to all of his family. From his mother and father, his sisters and brothers, his wife, children, and grandchildren, he loved them all without reservation. These things give further testimony to him and the unselfish way he lived his life.
Over the years he also made several changes. Some so subtle while others were immeasurable. I recall how he went from a man who would not venture out on a boat stating that he would not go onto water deeper then he was able to drink, to becoming an avid fisherman. From a man who feared hospitals and doctors as much as one possibly could, to one that never let them see him blink through some of his own medical battles. From his role as a family disciplinarian to the one offering comforting reassurance and help when times were less than good.
Dad could stand his ground and speak his mind with the best of them, yet had a compassionate side that touched as gentle as a feather. My father also understood that as times changed, he would have to change too, even if he did resist it intensely. He always led by example, never expecting more from anyone then he; himself could give. He respected others. He found time to help out and in that way was sharing a part of him with us that maybe only now can we realize.
As we place his body to rest, we are comforted by knowing that he will be with us for as long as we hold him in our hearts. That now becomes our duty and obligation. We must fill our hearts with thoughts and memories of him. But we must share them rather than lock them away. His physical departure will never change the ways he touched each of our lives. Grief can not take away the happiness we shared with him. And if there is one thing to remember as we wish my Dad, Claude, well on his journey to greater places, it’s that our sorrow may fade over time, but the love will remain forever.
I love you, Pop; I’m so glad that I told you that on numerous times.
(Eulogy written by Robert W. Wilcox)
Let me share with you just some of the thoughts and recollections of certain characteristics about my Dad that I have fondly recalled over the last several days. The often-visible beads of sweat on his forehead were from the work ethic he inherited from his parents, whom he loved dearly. Like his parents, he was diligent in all of his efforts. He provided for our family all of the things that we could have possibly hoped for.
My brothers and I were treated equally, fairly and with a firmness that made us better men. He made certain that we had the best education and quality of life we could have hoped for, as both he and our mother made numerous sacrifices. He asked nothing more from us than our best effort and never stood in judgment of that effort or compared us. In his eyes, we were all his boys and luckily, we will always be his boys.
His smile and the sparkle in his eyes transcend generations and like him, will always remain with us. He generously handed these down for us to have as can be seen by looking on the faces of his children and grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren. Each one of them he held special in their own way. I recall watching his beaming smile as my daughters, Shannon and Brittany, played on the floor and I caught him watching them. I also remember him fishing with little Bill and the way he enjoyed Billy’s excitement. Christmas visits from his grandkids saw him carrying what seemed an endless stream of wrapped presents, only later to be bagging trash and helping load the treasures for the trips home. Dad thrived and drew energy from all nine of his little gems. He was easy with a hug and a kiss.
He was also a loving and devoted husband. He cherished his wife, my mother, Marie. A love so true can only be a once in a lifetime gift. He gave that gift to my mother and she back to him. They danced a million dances to music none of us could hear or appreciate, but God bless them, they knew the tune and knew it well. Better parents a child could not ask for.
He was passionate with regards to all of his family. From his mother and father, his sisters and brothers, his wife, children, and grandchildren, he loved them all without reservation. These things give further testimony to him and the unselfish way he lived his life.
Over the years he also made several changes. Some so subtle while others were immeasurable. I recall how he went from a man who would not venture out on a boat stating that he would not go onto water deeper then he was able to drink, to becoming an avid fisherman. From a man who feared hospitals and doctors as much as one possibly could, to one that never let them see him blink through some of his own medical battles. From his role as a family disciplinarian to the one offering comforting reassurance and help when times were less than good.
Dad could stand his ground and speak his mind with the best of them, yet had a compassionate side that touched as gentle as a feather. My father also understood that as times changed, he would have to change too, even if he did resist it intensely. He always led by example, never expecting more from anyone then he; himself could give. He respected others. He found time to help out and in that way was sharing a part of him with us that maybe only now can we realize.
As we place his body to rest, we are comforted by knowing that he will be with us for as long as we hold him in our hearts. That now becomes our duty and obligation. We must fill our hearts with thoughts and memories of him. But we must share them rather than lock them away. His physical departure will never change the ways he touched each of our lives. Grief can not take away the happiness we shared with him. And if there is one thing to remember as we wish my Dad, Claude, well on his journey to greater places, it’s that our sorrow may fade over time, but the love will remain forever.
I love you, Pop; I’m so glad that I told you that on numerous times.
(Eulogy written by Robert W. Wilcox)
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