Doy Wilford Hamrick

Doy W. Hamrick Jr. stepped into our family's path in 2001, and we are truly blessed that he did.

If you were to ask most of us to give you 2 words that best described our first impression of Doy several years back: Proud and Plain would come to mind, but in every good way possible. However, the time that we were fortunate enough to share with him allowed us to bring out the TRUE fun lovin' family man that lived deep inside of him - and we are so grateful to have done so.

Through the recent experience of our (unexpected and very unfortunate) loss, Doy's good friends and family have made us realize this even moreso than before - and it sounds cliche', but you really "don't know what you've got til' it's gone".

Doy touched each of our lives in many different ways. Whatever good, bad or ugly took place - he stood right beside us all. Once his love was promised to his fiance' Marguerite, Doy took on the role of Father and Papal to her immediate family as if it were meant to be.

There were times you would swear that Doy had a dirty joke for every day of the year, and more BS than a Texas ranch. As funny or inappropriate as that may sound, it's was what made Doy - Doy, and we love him so much for that. He loved relaxing with a cold one, hanging out with family and friends, meeting newcomers, and just living each day like it was his last. He could cook a meal like no other, and always had a tip to share if you were the one in charge of the grub for that day. He enjoyed sharing stories from his days in Vietnam. His time there had a major affect on his life in many ways, and he always showed so much pride (along with some open regret) for it. He enjoyed being a Papal to 4 grandchildren - joking and playing around with them as if he were 17 again. You couldn't ignore Doy's passion for the outdoors either. He found ways to make you believe his backyard was a natural oasis.

In every walk of life there are both good and bad times. We all like to think that noone can really say that they themselves (or anyone else) are really "perfect" - but, while doing a recap on Doy, or even anyone else that you love that has passed on - you start to realize that everyone is just that - perfect in their own way. Perfect for their faults, views, opinions, ways and everything else that has made them who they were - and what we all know deep in our hearts - still are. Doy impressed everyone he crossed paths and parted ways with - and those memories will not be forgotten or lost. It's unfortunate that Doy and Marguerite didn't officially get married - which was planned to take place only days after his untimly passing - but as a family, we know in our hearts that he was a real Husband, Father, Grandfather, and a true Friend. It takes more than paper to make that possible.

We love you Doy/Papal very much!! We miss you very much, and the memories you've given us will be shared and carried on Forever and Always!!