Floyd Samuel Wilcox

Floyd Wilcox, our beloved son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away in the early morning hours of February 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. He struggled valiantly with age-related illnesses, yet never lost his compassion, sense of humor, perspective, faith, and love.   

He was born on March 14, 1938, the fourth son of David and Ann Wilcox.  He was raised on his family’s farm in Syracuse where they grew sugar beets, melons, tomatoes, corn, and all sorts of produce. In addition, they raised cows, pigs, and chickens. Working alongside his parents, brothers, and sister, on the farm ingrained in him a strong work ethic that would be a hallmark of his entire life.  

He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a stalwart, unwavering testimony. From his parents, he learned love, charity, and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

He served an LDS mission to the South Pacific Island/Tonga Mission and spent nearly three years on the island of Niue.  He cherished his service there and dearly loved the people.  He often recounted stories of the people and their culture.  

He married his eternal companion, Gaylene Knight, on November 21, 1962, in the Logan Temple.  She was the love of his life, and he did everything to make her happy.   Together, they settled in Syracuse and raised five children.  

He attended Syracuse Elementary, North Davis Junior High, and Davis High School. He was a proud University of Utah graduate and pursued a career in education.  He became a well-known assistant principal of Clearfield High School and was recognized by many as the “Golden Voice of the Falcons.” His sense of humor, charitable nature and compassionate care made him easy to relate to. He was loved by many teachers, staff, students, and the community during his time at Clearfield High.  

After retirement, he and Gaylene served a mission to Prague, Czech.  Later, he completed a church service mission at the LDS Cannery in Ogden. He had a firm belief in the value of mission work.  

He was a man of integrity, compassion, kindness, and faith.  In 2012, Gaylene passed away and he ached for her loss, yet his faith never wavered, and he never complained. She waited for him these many years. They are now joyfully reunited. 

Floyd had a great love for family, friends, and his community.  He always made time to listen, offer sage advice, and work with everyone regardless of circumstance.    He enjoyed lunches with his lifelong Syracuse friends, and time spent playing games, eating, and laughing with family.  He loved all people and was generous with the many blessings’ life had given him.  On the farm, especially, he loved the community connections he made.  It brought joy to him to share many harvests. (Shout out to Norman, Ivan, and Byron!) 

He is survived by his beloved brother and sister, Norman Wilcox, and Rosanne Birch, who often visited him and will greatly miss him.  He is also survived by his and Gaylene’s children Bill (Julie) Wilcox, Leon (Mary) Wilcox, Karen (Lloyd) Cheney, Bryce (Kathleen) Wilcox, Jill (Adam) Hess, and many nieces and nephews.  He had 10 grandsons, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren all of whom he loved more than anything.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ann Wilcox, brothers Milton, Rex and Dee, and his loving wife, Gaylene Wilcox.   

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Wilcox Meadows Ward building, 2500 W 700 S, Syracuse. Friends may visit with family on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary. 869 S 2000 W. and on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery. 

The family wishes to thank the kind workers at Family Tree Assisted Living and A+ Hospice for the tender care they gave to our dad.

ORDER VIDEOS