Gary Wayne Wilcox: A Devoted Family Man with Charisma and a Selfless Heart

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Gary Wayne Wilcox
December 18, 1953 – September 23, 2022

Gary passed away peacefully at home in Whitethorn on September 23, 2022. He was born December 18, 1953, in Oakland, California to Ray Sr. and Irene Wilcox. His family made their home in the Hayward hills until 1965 when they moved to Humboldt County. In 1966 they settled in Whitethorn at their home on Wilcox Lane. His Father ran the family construction business which was later known as G.R. Wilcox Enterprises Inc. doing much of the development of the Shelter Cove subdivisions, golf course, and airstrip that still exist today. Ray Sr. passed away in 1970 and Gary took over operations of the family business at the young age of 17. Gary went to school and after school he’d work to support his mother and younger four siblings. Anyone that knew Gary knew that he was about as selfless as they get, making many sacrifices for his family through the years. Gary graduated from South Fork High School in 1972 and went straight to work full-time.

Gary met the love of his life Pamela in 1972 and they were married March 3, 1973. They originally lived in a small little house in Shelter Cove until purchasing their first family home in Whitethorn, Ca. They welcomed their son, Steven in 1975, and then their daughter Dayna in 1979. This is where they would raise their family until building their dream home in 2001 doing much of the work themselves.

Gary operated G.R. Wilcox Enterprises with his brother, Ray Jr. along with their Mother Irene, and for many years his son Steven also worked with him. Gary enjoyed the process of bidding jobs and celebrating landing challenging projects. He took great pride in his work and was considered a perfectionist. Gary had broad connections through all of his work and was eager to share his knowledge with others. He could not go anywhere without encountering someone he knew. He was charismatic, which instantly created bonds with others. He was a man of immense integrity and words cannot adequately describe Gary’s role and influence as a local businessman. His passing will leave a void throughout the County. There are many who served as mentors and collaborators in Gary’s professional life. Although too many to mention, you all were impactful and became a regular part of our families evening discussions when Gary would share the day’s experiences. One person became a father figure for Gary after his Dad’s death. Jim Johnson helped Gary develop strong business skills, keen wisdom to take on complicated projects, and became a great friend.

When Gary wasn’t working, he enjoyed many hobbies. He loved anything fast and loud. As a young man, you could find him at Shelter Cove riding ATVs and Dune buggies with friends and family. He also loved spending time at the lake camping and boating. In 2011, he and Pam realized their dream of owning a lakefront site at Ruth Lake where you could find them most summer weekends. It was there Gary enjoyed one of his other passions, fishing. Although he loved sharing the experience with many, he especially enjoyed this time with his best friend Jim Stockman, and his late Cousin, Jim Pedigo.

Gary had a passion for building and restoring classic cars and trucks. He was a very skilled mechanic and restoration specialist. He could re-build any motor to get more horsepower; however, it was the restoration of classic vehicles where his passion was most prevalent. Gary was an artist, and his paint jobs were masterful. He began with a baby-blue ’57 Chevy, then came a ’36 Ford Stepside, a ’34 Ford Coupe, and at the time of his passing he was making progress on a ’68 El Camino. This is where he spent his nights and weekends doing most of the work himself. He and Pam would share the finished classics at Hot Rod shows where he won some awards for his craft.

Gary’s pride and joy was his family. He epitomized the term “family man”, starting when he became the leader of the family following the loss of his Father. This became a great influence in his own life, and you need look no further than his commitment to his wife and children. Quiet evenings at home or big adventure trips he was never far from Pam and the kids. All of these experiences will endure in our hearts forever. Anyone who knew Gary would agree, he was larger than life. Indeed, he was often the life of the party. Gary and Pam loved hosting gatherings whether family holidays, post Wilcox BBQ parties, or the famous annual Crab Feed to celebrate Gary’s birthday.

An even greater love came later in life with the addition of his grandkids. His first grandson Dylan was born in 2002 and there was no greater joy to Gary than to be a grandpa. He spent countless hours with Dylan showing him all that he knew and enjoying his hobbies with him. His granddaughter Korabelle was born in 2015 and although she lived in Idaho, he cherished every moment he got to spend with her whether it was side by side or talking with her on facetime. As the first-born granddaughter he loved Korabelle immensely. His third grandchild came in 2017 with the addition of Kalea. Their bond was beautiful, and everyone could see Kalea had her Papa wrapped around her tiny finger. Kalea loved caring for her Papa as he was never far from her mind. 2019 brought Gary’s second grandson, Michael. Although their time together was brief, Gary was a big influence, and it didn’t take long to find Michael in the driver’s seat with Papa running equipment.

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years Pam, son Steven (Kim) of Deary Idaho and his children Dylan and Korabelle, daughter Dayna of Eureka, Ca. and her children Kalea and Michael. His siblings Janice (Terry) Metcalf, Ray Jr. Wilcox, Tina Wilcox, Kevin (Tammy) Wilcox, and Crystal (Dan) Arbuthnot. Nieces and nephews, Troy Metcalf, Eric Metcalf, Mandy (Mark) Marquez, Tyler (Amber) Lewis, Ashley Lewis, Carolyn (Justin) French, Kathy Wilcox, Nicholas (Larissa) Arbuthnot, Bryan (Breanna) Arbuthnot, Joy Wilcox, Christopher Arbuthnot, and Josh Wilcox. Great nieces and nephews, Morgan Marquez, Macee Marquez, Jocelyn French, Raelyn French, Kaitlyn French, Kaleb Lewis, Addelyn French, Braxton Arbuthnot, Lila Arbuthnot, Camden Arbuthnot, and Bennett Arbuthnot. His best friend who is more like a brother, Jim (Lisa) Stockman of Auburn, Ca., his children Thomas (Alex) Stockman and Hailey Stockman, and grandson Mason. Gary is also survived by his Aunt Lavera (Red) Pedigo along with many cousins that were near and dear to him. Gary is proceeded in death by his parents, Ray Sr. and Irene Wilcox.

A giant void now exists in our lives. Our hearts are broken. In time we will heal. Our memories of this amazing man will sustain us, and his life will live on through all who loved him dearly. A celebration of life will be held on November 13th at 12pm at the Fortuna River Lodge. Please join us as we remember all he contributed to our lives and our community.