Days with the Cormier's

Thomas Beason Wilkes, Jr.

April 11, 1950 – October 24, 2007

I wanted to pay tribute to my father today, on the anniversary of his passing.  Here are some of my favorite pictures - most I found from the internet, (that's why the sizes are all different).  Also, there are some quotes of what others thought of him.  In times like these, it's difficult to write or even access exactly what you feel, but I think the people below described him well.  Just the number of results you get when you "google" him shows what a mark he left, but it doesn't even begin to show his mark in our hearts.  We miss him more than words can say and look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven.  

I love this smile - his heart was SO in this project.  His vision was extraordinary!

"The Mayor"

I can tell you from experience, he was TRULY happy on that bike.  I wonder where he was going  :)  I love that I can see his face in the mirror.

"...He was infectious, endearing, humble, disarming, loyal, honorable, patient, comforting, a peacemaker but above all, so well loved by all, and genuinely loved, like one loves their own brother or sister. Beason was a best friend, an adoring and devoted husband, a loving father and a passionate grandfather. He was everything one could aspire to be in life. He was a true class act. As Beason battled his illness, he exemplified the words of Joshua 1:7 – facing every trial with the utmost strength and courage, never afraid or dismayed, knowing always that the Lord our God was with him in whatever challenge he met. This assurance gave him the fortitude to persevere with a joy and a peace that still surpasses all understanding...." ~ Wharfal.com

"Orange Beach City Administrator Jeff Moon, who first met  Wilkes during his days at Meyer Real Estate and later worked with him on The Wharf, said, “The thing I can say about Beason is the man always lived up to his word. If Beason Wilkes told you something was going to happen, it was going to happen.”

"Then, in October, as he [Ernie Smith] sat in the memorial service for his friend and neighbor Beason Wilkes and heard the pastor recall Wilkes’ affection for canines, Smith said he decided to build a dog park." (...which BG christened upon the "opening ceremonies" :)  ) ~ Baldwin Report