Carl Doyce Wilcox, 87, of Jacksonville Arkansas went to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family at UAMS on October 19, 2018. He was born March 20, 1931 in Malvern AR to Reverend Doyle and Julia Jane Hoskins Wilcox. Carl graduated from Magnet Cove High school in 1949, in his senior year the Magnet Cove Football team was undefeated, Carl was the center for the team. He met the love of his life of 67 years, Melba Jean Grant and they married June 6, 1951.
Carl honorably served his country in the Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) field in the United States Air Force for 22 years where he and his family did five overseas tours and were never separated although he spent many TDYS in Vietnam War Zones. Their adventures began in Morocco, through Thailand, the Philippines, the Azores Portugal and many locations in the United States. In Thailand, he was a member of the first Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) and established the foundation for POL operations in support of the Vietnam War. While in the Philippines, he worked in the Office of the Inspector General inspecting the systems he established during his service in Thailand. In his military career, he began refueling aircraft and ended his career by saving the USAF millions of dollars by redesigning the second largest fuel storage facility in the world. His military commendations included the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, USAF Good Conduct Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award.
After his retirement from the USAF, Carl and his bride returned to Malvern, he was the Manager of the Malvern Chamber Commerce and elected as Hot Spring County Tax Assessor. He was a member of the creative team behind the first Malvern Brickfest in 1981. After moving to be closer to Little Rock Air Force Base and the retirement community at the Base Gym, he served as an inspiration to younger active duty military members, Carl was often recognized for his dedication to his daily exercise regimen. Many active duty members asked to get their photo with Carl with his “Yes, I am 87!” muscle shirts, commenting “I hope I am here exercising when I reach your age.”
The consummate mentor, he would always tell them, "You can do it," with his infectious smile and quick laughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister Ruth Brandenburg
He is survived by his wife of Jacksonville AR, two daughters Carla and David Garner of El Dorado, AR., Julia Annette Stanley and Doug Allen of Diberville, MS. One son Douglas and Mary Wilcox of Kingston TN., grandchildren: P. J. James of Oklahoma City, OK, Chris James and Christi of Edmond, Oklahoma. Joseph and Chelsea Garner of Viola, AR., Clint and Corri Stanley of Brighton, TN., Camron and Daphne Stanley of UK., Carl Stanley and Crystal Robinson of Kelowna, BC., D.J. Allen of Saucier, MS., Daniel Wilcox of Lewisville, TX., Jennifer and Nathan Lough of Oak Point TX., Crystal Galyon of Kingston, TN, Mike Smith of Calgary Canada, Dakota Smith of New York City, NY. 24 Great Grand Children, two sisters, Modine and Pierre Pawlak of Jacksonville, AR, Susie Jane Banks of Longmont, CO. and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Full Military Honors at 2:00 PM Monday, October 22, 2018.
Burial will be at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery, North Little Rock.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18