RETIRED NAVY Chief G. Lamar Wilkie is an accomplished writer whose works are inspired by his life experiences. His recent book, “A Man’s Guide to Babies,” was born from his experience as an expectant father in the 1990s when fewer resources were available to men. He aimed to inform expectant and future expectant fathers on how to better support their partners during pregnancy and childbirth.
The book has been warmly received, with readers laughing through it, learning something new about their bodies, and enjoying Wilkie’s casual writing style. Chapter 2, “Nine Months to True Manhood,” offers a unique outlook on the “baby gender lottery.”
Wilkie said, “Having had one of each, I can tell you they are both joyous and challenging in their own way. Don’t get so caught up in what sex the baby will be — just enjoy the moment.”
Comical, casual, and informative, the book is a unique guide for expectant and future expectant dads and makes an excellent gift.
Born and raised in the Southwest metropolitan Atlanta area, Wilkie graduated high school in 1980 and went to boot camp for the U.S. Navy on January 5, 1982.
After leaving his first ship in San Diego, he received orders to Naples, Italy, as a Satellite Communications Technician. While there, he met his future wife, Donna, who also served in the Navy. They reunited after receiving orders to the Norfolk, VA area separately and married in 1990.
Wilkie’s last assignment was in Montgomery, AL, where they raised their daughter and son, who are both adults now.
After 21 years in the Navy, Lamar retired in July 2002, and he and his family moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL.
After spending five years in Florida, he and his wife Donna, (originally from Missouri) were unsure where to settle down next, but they knew they wanted a change. One day, the couple opened a map, closed their eyes, prayed, and pointed to a random spot on the map. Their finger landed on none other than the beautiful city of Manchester.
The family made the big move in April 2007 and has been here ever since.
Lamar learned writing skills earlier on. While in elementary school, his substitute teacher, Mrs. Vickers, challenged him to prepare a new and better poem for her to read each time she taught his class. Wilkie said her challenge pushed him.
Aside from “A Man’s Guide to Babies,” Wilkie has published books inspired by both of his children: “Christopher’s Tornado” and “A Puppy For Athena.” In the 1990s, he co-authored “Truth or Myth,” which is now out of print.
He said his ultimate goal is to wake up daily and serve God, his wife, and others in love.
“I’m not saying I have arrived because we never do. I’ve got so much accomplishment behind me, so many medals, awards, achievements, and everything else that I take one day at a time to help people the best I can and try to be a blessing for as many people as possible today — in this moment.” GN