HC Wikle, Jr., known to all as Sonny, has finally left the farm. Preceded in death by his wife, Jane Mitchell Wikle, sister Barbara (Jack) Colquitt and his parents, HC Wikle Sr and Margaret Hampton Wikle, he leaves behind one sister, Betty Jo (Curt)Merchant, four children, Clyde (Mary Jo) Wikle, Nancy (Wil) Riggins, Missy Patterson, Mary Wikle as well as eight grandchildren Wes (Emma) Jones, Cassie Jones, Austin Riggins, Baylee Riggins, Tessa Patterson, Lucy (Austin) Helton, Katie Wikle, Carl Wikle and one great grandchild, Carter Helton. He wanted a dozen kids so he would have plenty of cotton choppers and corn pickers, but his wife said four would have to be enough. His kids were his proudest achievement. He instilled in them a love for the land as well as the ability to siphon gas and shoot a gun proficiently.
Sonny grew up in Meridianville, AL on the family farm, where he would spend most of his life. He was a student at Meridianville Junior High School and graduated from Huntsville High School (because his mother MADE him), but his heart was always in the country. While attending Auburn University, he was most proud to be a Sigma Chi brother. In his young adulthood, he drove a truck then farmed until the mid 80’s when the yields were so high and the prices so low, that a small farmer couldn’t make a living anymore. He had a LOT of kids to feed, so he bought a sawmill and cut timber and sawed lumber until he officially retired. At that time, he made piddling and tinkering a full time career and never looked back.
Sonny spent his last days at home, surrounded by his family and friends. He left this world on his own terms….at home, no doctors, eating whatever he wanted just waiting for his time. He was not afraid of COVID-19 and if you had asked him about it, he would have gladly provided you a dose of silver water to ward off all the germs. While his physical condition may have been failing and should have kept him down, pure stubbornness made him get up every day and be productive. He mowed 12 acres of grass every week and was disappointed this year when the frost finally forced him to quit. Now that the grass is mowed and all his chores are done, he can finally rest. He loved the Lord and was prepared to leave the pain of his earthly body behind.
There will be a graveside service at 1:00pm Monday Dec. 14 at Valley View Cemetery in Meridianville. Due to the current pandemic, please do not feel bad if you miss it. When the world returns to normal, the family will have a creekside barbecue to celebrate his life. You can save all your casseroles until then and deliver them in person. Sonny always loved a good barbecue. In the meantime, in lieu of casseroles, feel free to send beer. Donations to the Salvation Army instead of flowers would be appreciated.
