Obituaries

Harold "Dugan" Wilder

November 27, 1938 - December 15, 2025

Harold “Dugan” Wilder passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and just a little bit of tire smoke. Dugan was born on November 27, 1938, in Perrysburg, Ohio, and grew up in nearby Monclova. He attended Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, graduating in 1956, where he was an active member of the FFA. Raised in a farming family, he spent the first chapter of his life working tirelessly in the fields. But his first love was muscle cars, which he took to back country roads where he claims he “never lost a race.”

In 1960, he married the girl of his dreams, a bright-eyed cheerleader named Judy Marcinek. Shortly after, he served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, proudly working as the company commander’s personal driver. After his service, Dugan and Judy started their family in Maumee, Ohio, welcoming three children, Scott, Marc, and Shannon.

In 1973, the Wilders left the cold winters behind and moved to Lakeland, Florida, settling in Christina and finding a community of friends that would shape the rest of their lives. Dugan turned his passion for cars into a career as an auto body repairman and manager at Bill Elam’s Body Shop, where he worked until retiring at age 62. Along the way, he quietly helped countless kids of friends repair mysterious “fender benders” that parents may or may not have known about.

Dugan coached Scott and Marc’s sports teams, the architect of storied Medulla baseball franchises such as A1A, the Dossey Tigers, and W.R. Grace. He bowled for Herndon Insurance Company, was part of the 3-on-3 men’s basketball dynasty known as “The Greyhounds” and an original member of The Club at Eaglebrooke. A passionate golfer, he recorded five career hole-in-ones, just two shy of the family record held by his father-in-law, Walter.

He loved games of all kinds, pool, cribbage, euchre, bridge, Sudoku, and just about any card game, and he usually won, often pumping his fist and flashing a devilish grin. That same mischievous spirit appeared whenever he revved the engine of whatever car he was driving, glass pack mufflers rattling and irritating the neighbors in all the best ways.

Dugan loved his “clicker,” spending countless hours watching sports on TV, especially his beloved Tampa Bay Rays. Their hitting coach could count on an annual phone call from Dugan, offering detailed and entirely unsolicited advice.

His dream car, a metallic gold 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray split window, was one he proudly owned and meticulously restored with the help of his daughter, Shannon. The car famously took last place in the only car show it ever entered, a fact that made them giggle until the day he died.

A month ago, Dugan and Judy celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, reflecting on a lifetime of memories. Above all, they were most proud of their children, Scott, Marc, and Shannon, and the families they continue to build with Kim, Lina, and Trent.

Dugan’s legacy lives on through his four grandchildren. Cory carries his observant nature and mischievous spirit. Chase reflects his curious mind and humility. Claire shares his pragmatic nature and problem-solving skills. George embodies his will to win and his signature “Dugan walk.” Time will tell which of his qualities emerge in his great grandchildren, Walter, Wells, and Benji. Here’s hoping one of them will pick up where he left off with the Rays’ hitting coach.

Dugan lived fully, laughed often, raced hard, and left the world better and louder than he found it.