David Gregory Wilcox, of Amery, passed away at age 84 on July 19th, 2012 at Amery Regional Medical Center surrounded by his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arlene (Eckland) Wilcox, his son Gregory Wilcox and his wife Debbie, his son Daniel and his wife Jodi, his grandchildren Gwen and her husband Charlie, Luke Wilcox, Joseph Wilcox and his wife Brooke, Jennifer and her husband Michael Jenderny, Jordan Wilcox and his wife Ceanna, Madilyn, Dylan, and Alexis, as well as 5great grandchildren. Dave was predeceased in death by his parents, Perry and Melba Wilcox, and two sisters, Dorothea Brede and Charlotte French.

Dave was born at home in Georgetown, WI to Perry and Melba (Eveland) Wilcox. He attended Blake School and graduated from Balsam Lake High School in 1945. After high school he was drafted into the army and spent a year in the Philippines during WWII. He attended River Falls College from 1948 – 1951 and participated in the travelling school choir in 1950.After college Dave drove a Betsy Ross Bread delivery truck, on a route that covered Amery and the surrounding areas. In 1957 he started selling life and health insurance, and made that his career until he retired in 2010 at 82 years old.

Anyone that knew Dave probably knew him as Grandpa Dave. He was an eternal optimist who lived to serve the Lord. He was always helping people have the opportunity to hear God's Word. He drove bus for youth group in the 1950's and drove the AWANA bus at First Baptist in the1980's and 90's. Dave served at Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp in the 1960's and Wood Lake Bible Camp in 1980 thru 2000. He gave his time and support to Peniel Christian Academy over the years.


He enjoyed fishing and hunting with the family and relatives his entire life and passed his love and knowledge on to 3 generations. He loved to volunteer; he gave the message and sang hymns on Sundays for 30 years at Willow Ridge Nursing Home. His garden was well kept, and he always had stories to tell over a pot of coffee. He was honored with a plaque by Amery First Baptist Church in 2011 for over 50 years of service to his church and community.

"It is most important to be a man of integrity and character and to always have a positive outlook" –Grandpa Dave.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Amery. There will be a visitation Monday evening from 4 to 7 pm at the Williamson ~ White Funeral Home and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Interment will take place on Wednesday at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Spooner with full military honors.