Father's Day has an entirely different meaning when a man becomes a father.

Fatherhood puts a man in the position to be a teacher, role model, protector, hero, provider, friend and "daddy" to his children. It reaches beyond infancy -- fatherhood is a lifetime commitment, and being a daddy is a great honor.

As our nation celebrates Father's Day today, the following stories about look-a-like father and sons are intended to inspire dad's of all ages and bring the joys of fatherhood clearly into focus.

"You can learn many things from your children. How much patience you have, for instance." -- Franklin P. Adams, American journalist and radio personality

Lee Wiles

Father of Cade Anderson Wiles, age 3-1/2, and Brady Hart Wiles, 6 weeks old

At age 32, Lee Wiles of Cameron is the father of two young sons. A busy advertising account executive, Lee admits that the most difficult role he has right now is balancing his time between a professional career and fatherhood.

"I know that I am a hero to my children right now, and I plan to do everything I can to stay that way when they are grown up," he said. "The biggest challenge for me has been to find more family time. I made some career decisions to do that, and it was the best thing I have ever done.

"The best gift you can give your children, besides teaching them about Jesus, is your time."

The Wiles family enjoys visiting the children's grandparents, going out to eat pizza and vacationing in the mountains. Although it's too early to compare Brady's profile with his dad's, it is obvious that Cade has inherited his father's youthful good looks.

"People tell me all the time how much we look alike," Lee said. "According to my wife, Jill, Cade also has my persistent and outgoing personality."

He said there is no magic formula to use in the rearing of children, but the job is much easier when you've had a terrific father of your own.

"I use a combination of the parenting skills I learned from my own father and day-to-day experiences," Lee said. "I must say, I learn something new everyday."

Wiles is also working to complete his master's degree and is becoming more involved with his church and community.

"I want to be a good provider for my family and a good role model for my sons," he said. "I also took up jogging and weight lifting to stay in good shape, so I can play ball and chase the boys around the house when they get older."

Having one son that already looks so much like him, and an infant that shows promise of being a look-alike also, makes Wiles very happy. He confessed, however, that he would prefer that the boys "looked more like their beautiful mother."

"It is a wonderful blessing to have little people around to love, teach and experience new things with, especially on Father's Day," Wiles said. Speaking words of wisdom to other father's today, he added, "I'd like to remind other father's that everything you do will have an effect on your children."

"Don't worry that children never listen to you: worry that they are always watching you." -- Robert Fulgham, American writer

Wendell Addison

Father of Jonathan Addison, age 8, and Corey Addison, age 4

A native of North, Wendell Addison grew up in a Christian home and loving community. Eleven years ago, he married Cheryl Jeffcoat, who was also nurtured throughout her lifetime by a loving family and circle of close friends.

With the birth of his sons, Jonathan and Corey, Addison, a programmer analyst with Orangeburg County, learned that being a father is one of the most demanding -- yet rewarding -- jobs a young man could ever have.

"There are so many father's that have put their careers above their families and don't realize they have missed out on all the blessings children bring," Wendell said. "I am thankful God opened my eyes to this.

"Children grow up so fast, and when they get older they won't want to do things or go places with their dad's because of other interests. I want to spend every precious moment possible with my children. My career can wait -- my children can't."

Jonathan, who looks very much like his mother, enjoys playing his Game Boy and PlayStation, riding motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, going swimming and playing with his cousins. His love for computers is naturally inherited from his dad.

Corey is his father's look-a-like and enjoys everything his daddy and big brother do. Monster trucks -- especially the "Grave Digger" -- are his favorite toys.

"People tell me how much Corey looks and acts like me when I was his age," Wendell said. "From his smiling face to his quick temper, he certainly is a chip off the ol' block.

"Often, I catch him with a wrench in his hand trying to fix something. As my parents can contest, I had my fair share of fixing things, sometimes so they couldn't be fixed again."

And it doesn't taking much "pickin'" from his older brother for Corey to defend himself either, which Addison said is another shared father-son trait.

"But when all that is over, Corey is quick to give a big hug and has the sweetest disposition you could ever find. I'd like to think that is a trait of mine, too," he said.

On a more serious note, Addison said being a good father is a God-given responsibility.

"So many times, we see men that don't accept the true meaning of being a father," he said. "But the future of our children depends on good father's. Our actions, not just words, are being observed, and that is what our children will do as they grow older.

"That is why it is so important to have your children in church, and it's even more important to go with them."

Addison sent this heartfelt message to every dad this Father's Day.

"Without the children, there would be no Father's Day celebration," he said. "Take advantage of every day you are given to be a father. Better yet, be a 'daddy' to your sons and daughters. That is what the children of this world need the most."

"It is a wise father that knows his own child." -- William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright

Lawrence Taylor Garick Jr.

Father of Taylor Garick , 34, and Pam Linder, 38

Many people residing in Orangeburg County are familiar with R.L. Culler Refrigeration and the Garick family. Begun in 1939 by Rudolph L. Culler, the company continues as a family-owned and operated business today.

"R.L. Culler was my maternal grandfather, and I guess you could say we inherited our work ethics and business interests from him," Lawrence Garick said. "He set a good example for us to follow."

Lawrence and his son, Taylor, work side-by-side each day, and people frequently comment on how much they act and look alike. The elder Garick said their "good looks" go back at least four generations, and he has family photos to back-up his claim.

Taylor said now that he is older, he has noticed the similarities he and his father share. He also admitted that he is literally walking in his father's shadow as he goes about his daily work routine.

"My father is a great teacher," Taylor said. "He is always there for Pam and me when we needed advice, and he has helped us with everything we have ever done.

"I credit our father with instilling good values and morals. He has taught us, by example, good work ethics and the importance of being respectful to others."

Lawrence and Taylor enjoy many activities together, including fishing and camping. They also share many happy memories of scouting, racing go-carts and repairing engines.

"I have always believed that to be a good parent, you have spend time with your children," Lawrence said. "It's okay to have other interests, but it is most important to put your kids first."

Taylor said he has learned many important lessons from his dad, such as "thinking things through before taking action." Nothing, he added, beats experience and knowledge.

"Sometimes young people think they know how to do everything," Taylor said, "but it is very important to listen to those who are older and wiser. Then, as you grow older, you will know what works and what doesn't, and what's the right thing to do in all aspects of life."

In addition to being a father to their own children, the Garick's serve as mentors to other young men.

"I have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America organization for approximately 50 years," Lawrence said. "My father was a scoutmaster for 27 years, and now my son Taylor is an assistant scout master. Boy Scouts and other children's organizations provide an opportunity for father's to make a positive difference in the lives of young boys who will become our future leaders, and I encourage other dad's to become involved."

"Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys." -- Anonymous

Wendell Davis

Father of Marquis, age 23, and Marvin, age 17

Wendell Davis is honored and respected for his outstanding service to the Orangeburg community as director of the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. He is also noted for his loving relationship with his family.

Marquis and Marvin look so much like their dad that people will mention it right away during conversations. Marvin said it has happened so often over the years, he has come to expect the father-son look-a-like comment. He also said he is very proud to be the image of his father.

"My father is a good role model for my brother and me," Marvin said. "He shows the true qualities of manhood, encourages us when we need it and helps us in our difficult times."

He added that his friends respect and look-up to his dad and often seek his advice.

"My friends often refer to me as the 'chief's son' when they are talking about me to others, and they think my dad is a 'cool guy,'" Marvin said. "He is a very loving and caring individual who can be a little tough at times, but we always know his intentions are the best."

Wendell said fatherhood is demanding at times and requires patience, instruction and discussion and emphasizes that a father must always convey to his children that he wants what is best for them.

"Over the years we have gotten to know each other better, and our father-son relationship gets better with the passing of time." he said. "My sons have always respected me, but now that they are older, they understand that I am a more sage person than they once thought."

While Davis' sons are youthful images of him, they are pursuing their own dreams. Marquis serves as an associate professional for community innovations in Lumberton, N.C. Marvin hopes to one day become a lawyer.

"When the boys were growing up, my wife, Chanette, and I would show our support by always attending their school or community activities," Wendell said. "We were present for their sports events and band concerts. We made it our business to 'be there' if our children were involved."

Davis said it is a father's responsibility to teach and demonstrate to his children responsibility, integrity, honesty, dependability and perseverance.

"By setting a good example, a father teaches his son how to be a man," he said.

On this Father's Day, Marvin may decide to play a trumpet solo for his dad, and he plans to make breakfast. Marvin will also reflect on a letter his father wrote him that has made a lasting impression.

"Dad's letter basically made me feel as if I were the strongest, most courageous, most intelligent and all-around best son in the world," Marvin said. "Maybe today I will tell him that although I never say it, I really do love him."

T&D Staff Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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