From oil changes and curfew enforcement to skinned knees and wedding aisles, dads are our rock. With Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16, the Keys Weekly spoke to several local fathers about some comical memories and the proud moments. Wives and kids also chimed in to offer what makes their dad the best in the world.
Al Nelson (with sons Lyle and Gabe)
“My husband is an incredible dad. His unwavering support and love make him the rock our family relies on. He truly embodies everything it means to be a great father,” says wife, Lindsey.
Robert Barrios
It’s true when they say, “like father like daughter.” Thanks for being my best friend and for teaching me to work hard for the things I want. I love you!,” says daughter Taylor.
Lee Holt
“My amazing wife and I are both so proud of the kind, smart, funny, hard working and amazing young adults our kids have grown into. I think we are the proudest of our for how well they adapted to life in the Keys after moving here as teenagers. Kyle graduated with honors from Key West High School and is doing an amazing job so far at Florida Gulf Coast University. We are so proud of Claire with her rigorous school schedule of all AP and Dual Enrollment classes at KWHS.”
Clinton Curry (with daughter Parker)
“Clinton is a great dad because he has always wanted to do things with our daughter, Parker,” says wife, Julie. “He started helping out at Friday night football games to be part of what she did on Fridays. He supports her hobbies and interests, always finding ways to be part of it all.”
Bascom Grooms (with daughters Kelci and Kassidy and wife, Beth)
“My dad is such an awesome dad because despite his busy life he has never had trouble making his children his top priority and paving our paths to success,” says daughter Kassidy.
Tony Roberts (with kids Rome & Ryze)
“Tony is a special dad because he is very present in every aspect of their lives and he has the biggest heart. Rome and Ryze are the luckiest kids around,” says wife Yanae.
Travis Doll (with son, Archer)
“Every moment with (son, Archer) gives me the humblest pride and all the hilarity I can handle.”
Jim Strebeck (with son, Saul)
“Sometimes, while I am watching you two learn how to be father and son, it fills me with so much love that it actually physically hurts,” says wife, Heather Slivko-Bathurst. “How a tiny person who has only been in our lives for 18 months could have such a massive impact is truly beyond me. Every bubble bath and every evening walk brings us one step closer to the day he’ll be able to play Warhammer with you. We love you.”
Billy Davis (with two of his three daughters)
“Billy Davis is proud to be a girl dad,” says his wife Miki Yaras-Davis. He’s pictured here with two of his three daughters. Davis’s nonprofit A Positive Step of Monroe County has a Fatherhood Program designed to address skill building for dads aged 18 to 30 in the Keys.
Talandieu Dor (with wife Atavia and children Stervens, TJ, Chrysla and Detra)
“Here’s to the best father a woman can ask for her kids,” said wife Atavia Lopez-Dor. “Thank you for always being a rock and pillar for your kids — a motivation and an inspiration. Thank you for being the ‘strict parent’ when I couldn’t. Thank you for the love, above all, and for being there for the ‘DOR4.’”
Trevor Orr (with daughter Meredith)
In answer to the question of what makes her dad so special, daughter Meredith says, “He is kind, sweet and funny. He is a wonderful man. I love his personality, and the way he tells me about new things I have questions about.”
Jeff Rodriguez (with wife Melanie and daughters Gabriella and Giulianna)
“Thank you for all you do for our family. Your obvious, unconditional love for the girls is beautiful to witness and we love you so, so much.”
Terry Beeman (with daughter Tiffany)
“My dad is the most selfless and caring man I know, who will do anything for his family and friends,” says daughter, Tiffany Beeman. “He has set the example of what a man and father should be, and will forever be my best friend.”
