Thomas E. Willcock

Thomas E. Willcock, age 80, of Shelby Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Born on May 4, 1945, in Ferndale, Michigan, Tom lived a full and generous life defined by devotion to family, loyalty to friends, and an unending passion for anything with an engine.

Tom is survived by his three children-Kevin (Susan) Willcock, Brian (Lisa) Willcock, and Kimberly (David) Smith-who adored their father and carry forward the lessons he instilled. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Aaron (Ellen), Carina, Connor, Mac, and Cameron Willcock, as well as his cherished great-granddaughter, Leah. He is also survived by his brother Jerry (Betty) Willcock, brother-in-law Lynn (Ruth) Maker, sister-in-law Mary Lynn (Pat) Sizemore, brother-in-law Ted (Sam) Sizemore, and twelve nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his wife of more than 40 years, Robin Sizemore Willcock; his parents, Frank and Helen Willcock; his sister Ruth (Lynn) Maker; his brother-in-law Pat Sizemore; and his sister-in-law Sam Sizemore.

Tom was a dedicated father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend-truly the kind of man who showed up whenever someone needed a hand. He met Robin while working at Chrysler, and from that moment forward, they built a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and adventure. He deeply cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, teaching them-often through his quick wit and memorable stories-the values of perseverance, integrity, and curiosity.

A lifelong enthusiast of everything fast, Tom poured countless hours into modifying cars, trucks, motorcycles, dune buggies, hot rods, and anything else with wheels or an engine. As a teenager, he spent many nights drag racing down Gratiot Avenue, a passion that grew into a lifetime collection of classic cars, sailboats, and speedboats-his treasured "toys."

Tom was the go-to mechanic for family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who needed help getting a vehicle back on the road. A true jack-of-all-trades, he could fix nearly anything and had a natural ability to master whatever he put his mind to.

He loved weekend garage sales, entertaining friends, and hosting unforgettable parties. Tom also came from a musically gifted family; though he never learned to read music, he played trombone, organ, accordion, and harmonica beautifully by ear. Countless evenings were spent around a table playing cards or board games-where if anyone else managed to win, Tom good-naturedly insisted they must have cheated, always with a twinkle in his eye.

He loved all dogs and kept a stash of biscuits near the front door for neighborhood pups who stopped by for a treat.

Tom spent his entire 38-year professional career at Chrysler Corporation as a Title Analyst and UAW representative, forming lifelong friendships and earning the respect of all who worked beside him.

Family and friends will gather to Celebrate Thomas life with a visitation and sharing of memories service on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke)

Utica from 2-8pm with the sharing of memories at 6pm.

A simultaneous livestream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person. ~ https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NTI4MjU3NzM5MjEzOCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Interment will take place at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 americanheart.org ~ honoring Tom's life by supporting a cause meaningful to his family.