Olan DOCK Pilkington, age 88, of Morris, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Dock was born on October 8, 1932. He was one of 6 children. He served in the Army in France and Germany at the end of the Korean War. Once back stateside he went to work for Southeastern Metals and raised 3 children with his wife Gail.
Dock was a kind man, very intelligent and creative. He grew up, poor, like so many in this area in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Because of this he learned self reliance and knew that if he needed a job done he would have to do it himself. He was never in need of a contractor, electrician, plumber or mechanic because all were within his own skill set. The man never met a wall he couldn’t move or an engine he couldn’t get running. Dock was a skilled craftsman, so after building his home himself, every time it needed remodeling to accommodate his family’s needs or his wife’s new ideas, he tackled the job with expertise. He enjoyed spending time in his workshop building things for the people he loved.
He loved camping and brought his children up to love and respect the great outdoors and after retirement he continued spending his free time adventuring with the love of his life, Gail. The two would load up their motor home and take off to explore new destinations or go to one of their favorite camping spots. After a while the people who knew him began to wonder if it was the trip he enjoyed or the trying out of his new motor home. He was always trading them out for the newer, better, different, larger or smaller model. It eventually became a running joke in the family “to go see Dock’s new motor home”.
Dock is survived by Gail, his loving wife of 69 years, son Tommy Pilkington, and daughters Rhonda Basinger (Jerry) and Linda Coe (Thomas). Grandchildren: Eric Basinger (Amy), Keith Pilkington, Nicole Otero (Art), Amanda Pilkington, Allison Cannon (Jared), Morgan McCarty, and Kyle McCarty. Great Grandchildren: Katelyn Rogers, Lizzie Rogers, Macie Otero, Rance Rogers, Dominic Otero, Ryley Robertson, Helm Cannon, Ava Holcomb, and Olan Cannon
Preceded in death by his parents Ross & Lillie Pilkington, Granddaughter Jennifer Rogers, Brothers: Gordie Pilkington, John D. Pilkington, Lewis Pilkington, C. L. Pilkington and Feddie Pilkington
Visitation will be at Ridout’s Gardendale on Monday, April 26th. Visitation 10:30 – 11:45 with Graveside service to follow at 12:00 at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the PILKINGTON family.
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