Walter J. “Wally” Wolcott, 71, of Tampa, FL funeral services are 1:00 PM, Friday-August 15, 2008 at the Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 North Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz, FL 33548 with Pastors Henry Beiber and Mark Little, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 AM until service time. Graveside services are 3:30 PM, Friday-August 15, 2008 at the Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34655. There will be a family and friends gathering on Thursday evening-August 14, 2008 beginning at 7:00 PM at the Christ Community Church, 6202 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614. Wally was a deacon at Idlewild Baptist Church; a member if Life Discoveries Ministry, a member of “Faith Riders” and participated on numerous mission trips with CWE. He is survived by is wife, Barbara of Tampa, FL; a son, Dave Wolcott and his wife, Ruth of Tampa, FL; a daughter, Kathy Haynes and her husband, Roy of Hendersonville, NC; a brother, Merton Wolcott and his wife, Jane of Grand Rapids, MI; a sister, Winnie Andrews and her husband, Randy of Sturgis, MI; grandchildren: Tyler, Ryan, Carissa and Caleb Jones and Katelyn, Kristin and Joshua Wolcott. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Missions Fund, C/O Idlewild Baptist Church in the memory of Walter J. “Wally” Wolcott. Visit www.veteransfuneralcare.com to sign the guest book and driving instructions.
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I love you grandpa! and i hope god likes your flannelplaid shirts!
During our life time we meet many people most just pass through our lives and do not make an impact. But, sometimes God blesses us with an individual that is truly different. He makes us laugh, he makes us cry and he is our brother and friend no matter
Goodbye Walt. He was a person I always enjoyed seeing. I can remember his greeting and his handshake which was like a vice. Always had a smile. I will miss him. Jack
We always looked forward to seeing Wally and we will miss his sense of humor and his adventurous stories. We also admire all the work he did for human kind.
How shocked to see Walt’s obituary in the newspaper today. My heart goes out to Barbara and the family. Walt was someone who always had a smile for you, and an encouraging word and I will miss seeing him at church. I will be praying for the family and
My heart was sadden to hear about Walt and his passing. He was a man who was dedicated and with deep love of the Lord and his family. He will be so missed by so many who touch their hearts. Praise the Lord and that knowing he is standing with Him in Glory.
Words cannot tell you how sorry we are for Wally’s accident and homegoing. Our prayers are with you during this time. I’m sorry we won’t be able to attend the funeral. Don’t know if you heard I fell 5 weeks ago and broke my right leg and messed up my knee. I’m homebound for possibly another months. If we can do anything at all, please know we want to help you in anyway we can.
Janice and John Almquist
Even though it has been years since seeing Barb and Walt, I remember many good times with the young adults at Christ Community and Walt’s wonderful sense of humor. His easy evangelistic manner allowed him to witness to many who needed the Savior. He will be missed here, but is at work with his Savior.
My husband and I had the utmost pleasure of meeting Barb and Walt in the Intimate Encounters class at church, at the old campus. We have a very blessed marriage and wanted to learn to keep it this way, so we signed up for their class. It was their first time teaching it, and our first time taking a class. They welcomed us with open arms, humor, gentleness and true warmth. We learned a lot about marriage, learning how to show eachother how we care about eachothers interests, and to really laugh at a lot of differences that husbands and wives share. Walt always welcomed us with that wonderful handshake and a great hug, and Barb always had a warm smile and tender word…they both glowed and shined with our good Lord’s love for eachother and what they were doing at church in our class. Recently, after a presentation for our oldest daughter at church, I had the joy of feeling that strong hand of Walt’s rest on my shoulder as he shared a wonderful story with my husband and my parents about he and Barb’s motorcycle travels. He humorously and warmly shared the story of B.O.B. and explained that B.O.B. was actually the small trailer that he pulled behind the motorcycle that they traveled on and this acronym stood for “Barb’s Overnight Bag.” We laughed and all enjoyed his story…my husband could totally relate as he has his own form of a B.O.B. for me and my two daughters when we travel. We always felt we were in the midst of one of God’s most gracious couples when we had the chance to visit at chuch or talk on the phone. May our Lord of Peace wrap his arms around you Barb and hold you tighter than ever, and hear your every need and cry. May you know you are loved, and so very special. God bless you and your family and Heaven is a better place for just welcoming Walt. Thank you for caring so much about others and for being who you are.
It was always a pleasure to see Wally coming. He was kind, considerate, and funny. I’ll sure miss him.
I was saddened to read the death notice. I remember Wallys jokes and his witty nature. I haven’t seen either of you in several years but I could never forget you all. Chris Archer
I was sorry to read of Wallys passing. I remember his jokes and witty nature. I haven’t seen either of you in a few years but will always remember fond memories. Chris
Going to miss you guy! Who am I going to show my pens to now?
Love you,
We will remember having Thanksgiving Dinner with Walt and Barbara and their family a few years ago. It blessed us tremendously. Walt was a special friend to us and always had a smile and a funny joke for us. He was always Happy!!
Dear Family,
We could not begin in 1,000 characters to tell you what Walt and Barbara have meant to us over the years. He was best man at our wedding, felt it his duty to give us an ample supply of rice for the wedding trip. As a friend he loved us whether we were right or wrong. However, should we be wrong he loved us enough to mention it! His enthusiasm for the Lord’s work was always the bright beacon of his life. Very gracious to people who had a different opinion, even though they were wrong. His example of leading his family with love and direction were a model to follow. We will miss you, Walt, but we’ll try to follow the good advice you left with us. We will continue to love Barb. You were the perfect couple.
What wonderful memories of dinners with Bible study ladies and Walt. So much laughter and fun. And the “kitchen fairy” cleaned up while we chatted and did whatever we were up to that evening.
We will all miss him so much, Barb, but I know you will miss him most of all. What a blessing to have such a wonderful husband.
May God wrap His arms around you and keep you secure during this difficult time in your life,
Love,
Judy
I was so shocked to hear about Walt. He was always laughing and telling funny jokes and he was very concerned about people and doing nice things for them. He even taught classes on Thursday nights to help other Men.
Like Judy Pollock had said,my greatest memory of Walt was when Barbara would have her ladies Bible Study over for Dinner, Walt was always helping her clean the kitchen and doing other things to help so that we could have our Bible Study. He had us laughing all of the time.
I am praying that God will comfort you and give you strenth Barbara and your family through this difficult time.
Love
Donna Hare
I only met Walt a couple of times and knew him mostly as a very good friend of my folks, John and Jan VanWingerden.
OUr hearts mourn with Walt’s family over their loss. We were greatly blessed by knowing him. He was very industrious, creative, wise, loving, HUMOROUS, and served his family, friends, and most of all the Lord. He is now home and all in Christ will see
Though we were not there our hearts and prayers were lifted up for you Barbara and the rest of the family. A friend that will be missed but we know we will see him bye and bye.
My son wrote the following when he heard about Walt’s home going.
Dad,
I am so sorry. I was stunned and deeply saddened when I heard this;Walt was one of the finest, most generous men I’ve ever known, a man who truly manifested Christ in the way that he lived his life. I know you’re feeling a deep loss from the passing of this man who was your BFFL BestFriend For Life – as Tabitha would put it – my heart hurts right along side of yours on this one. He lived his life in such a way that he’s left this world a little bit better place – we can all learn a lesson from this man who made a difference.
I don’t think I could have said it better. I have known Walt since we were in the forth grade when Walt and his family moved to Sturgis, Michigan and we lived right across the street. We have been good buddies since.We both met our wives at the same Bible camp. He and his family were instrumental in my finding the Lord for which I am eternally grateful.
He was full of corny jokes such as when he called me, he always stated that it was the IRS and they wanted to see me, but what a heart for others. He and Barb literally gave my daughter a place to live in Tampa when he didn’t approve of the part of town she lived in.
I will quit but there is a whole lot more I could say about this wonderful and true friend!
We love you Barb and if there is anything we can do for you, please let me know.
Dear Wolcott Family,
We are praying for you during your time of loss.
Ralph remembers the wonderful times he had at Walt’s home during the overnight men’s retreats. He enjoyed the food and the fellowship as Walt and Barbara opened their home and hospitality.
May the Lord bless and comfort your family. You are being lifted up in prayer.
Kind Regards,
Evelyn and Ralph Mann
Heaven now has more laughs!
Dear Barbara I can’t tell you how sad I was to hear about Walter, I am still in shock. He was a wonderful man that we all came to love here at the Bank of America, Carrollwood Office. He was a joy to talk to every time he came in. He will be rememered in
Barb, Praying for you and the family. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God”.
“Corrie ten Boom”
Always friends, Jan and John
I pray that “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” will uphold you in your grief that you are not overcome by sorrow.
Blessings,
Your friend,
Allen
Barb and David, you and all those who loved Walt are in our prayers and will stay on our list indefinitely.
Our list of widows and widowers is now at nine. We never forget them. What a day that will be when we are back together–forever. Our memories of all of us together at Christ Community are special.
It was always a joy to see Walt and get that little hug around the shoulder. We’ll surely miss him, but know we’ll see him again some day–in heaven.
We wept when we read your e-mail.We loved you both the first time we met you at sunday school in Punta Gorda.Our kids were very young and so were we.You are so very special to us. We will miss Walt. Our loss is heavens gain. He was a very special christain.
All Our Love,
Gerald and Vivian Daughtrey
My Grandfather was everything you would call a true gentleman; but more importantly he was a Godly man. You can be everything a true gentleman is, but without Christ you have nothing. Meaning with Christ you have everything. My Grandfather showed me the true creed of a Godly man. He was an inspiration to me. He showed me how to live a life long marriage, how to be a leader, and most of all how to live for Christ. My grandfather took the time to get to know someone. He loved to talk and he loved to make people smile. He had a heart for the people that were not so well off or were hurt. If you are familiar with the book a proverbs, and what it means to be a wise man; I see my grandfather as that wise man. He had told my step father Roy, that he read the book of proverbs once every two months of his life. I believe that was true because his life revealed it. He was the most forgiving person you would ever have met. He was the only one on my mom’s side of the family that would still really talk to my dad after my parents divorce. He had already forgiven my dad, and moved on, because my dad was still the father of his grand-children. I loved my grandfather so much and i believe we all could learn something from him. He always loved adventure. He died doing something he loved to do; which was riding motorcycles. He was on his second big motorcycle trip; this time he was headed to Canada by himself. It didn’t bother him to go by himself, because he knew he would meet people along the way; and he knew God would be with him where ever he went. He looked forward to all the stories he would have coming back, and all the opportunities he would have to witness to peolpe. Some people would say the reason he died was because he didn’t have his wife’s blessing to go on the trip, but you have to remember he died when God intended him to die. You can’t live your life out of fear, because God is always with you and you are not going to die until it’s the Lord’s will. God can give you the strength to overcome anything. He can bring blessings and goodness from any pain or suffering in our lives. After my grandfather’s death something changed in me. It’s like I grew up all in one day. I rededicated my life to Christ two days after what happend. Although I have rededicated my life before, this time was different. God knew that it was going to take my grandfather’s death for me to really hold strong to a comittment. Although I do understand knowing christ is a life long journey and I could rededicate a thousand times, I know that this has made me stronger. I know that I will never turn away from my calling in life. I know I will live my life everyday to be more like my grandfather and more like Christ. I thank God for giving me the leadership of my grandfather and the blessing he has been in my life. A lot of people ask what my grandfather did for a living. He was not only an investor in stocks, real-estate, houses, land, motorcylces, etc..; but an investor in lives; as my uncle said at the funeral. Going back to me sying he took the time to get to know someone, he took the time to stay knowing someone. He talked on the phone more than anyone I know. He was always busy checking in on people, seeing how they were doing, and finding out what’s going on in there lives. If something had gone wrong for you and you were hurt over something, you can be sure he was calling you more. When he said hey to somebody; It wouldn’t just be the regular day to day conversation, “how are you doing?” with a reply, “good, how are you?” and his reply “good”, and then there wondering what there talking about. He would often reply with another, “how are you really doing?” or “how’s your family doing?” and “what’s going on in your life?” He would even ask them if they wanted to meet up another time for coffee or breakfast sometime, to just sit and talk. He showed people he really cared about them. I pray God helps me remember the kind of guy my grandfather was. You really don’t see too many people like him these day’s. My grandfather really loved his family. He was always there for my grandmother, and he was always there for his children and grandchildren. Although he lived ten hours away in Tampa, Florida; he was always making the drive up to see us. He was up just about every month, sometimes more than that. If there was a big game or a play or something going on with one of us kids, we could be sure he was going to be there…
-Ryan S. Jones
Barb!!!
There is a sorrow in our heart too, for Walt, but ajoy to know he is at “Home” with our Heavenly Father. Walt, the practical joker was a very good friend in addition to being the best “brother-in-law” one could possibly have. We love you sister, and continue to keep you in our prayers. You know you can call on us at any time.
Much Love,
Bob and Carolyn
Barb !!!
There is a sorrow in our heart too. Walt now resides with our Heavenly Father. Walt, the practical joker, was a good friend, in addition to being the best brother-in-law, 0ne could possibly have. We love you sister and continue to keep you in our prayers. You know you can call on us at any time.
Much Love,
Bob and Carolyn
Dear Barbara, and family, don’t know if any of you will be reviewing the guest book from time to time, but I was just made aware of it today so decided to let you know how much we love you and how we have been praying and sharing in the loss of your husband and Dad. I just read Dave’s letter to family as Joy sent it to my email. I am touched b y it and know that you are so taking care of each other. Like he said the path will be worn between your houses. We love you Barbara and we were so blessed any time we have been in your presence. Please accept our expressions of love and our prayers with the knowledge that they are sincere even if we are at a loss for the words to tell you how we feel. love Tom , Joanne , Michael Paul and all of our family
Dear Barb, Dave and Ruth, Kathy and Roy, grandchildren and extended family,
Words can not express what we feel. Walt was a very loving and caring man of God. We know life will never be the same for any of you – for God calling a loved one Home leaves an emply place in your hearts. The peace of heart, mind and spirit that only the Lord can give is the strength to take you from this day to the next. He is so faithful. His ways are beyond finding out – ours but to trust His heart.
Our son called called Sunday afternoon, broken hearted for he had such fresh memories of time spent with your father. Walt always cared, understood and sought out those he loved. He expressed his love for the Lord in so many ways. We will always remember his love for life, laughter, and a good story.
You are in our prayers daily – that the Lord will hold you close and be your comfort. And peace in knowing your loved one has seen Jesus face to face.
Love and Prayers,
Philippians 4:6-8
“Hi Kat, Wally Wolcott here.” Tough to imagine never hearing those words again. There cannot exist a huge presence without a huge loss – he will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered