Mr Carleton Luck of Nellysford passed away on December 13, 2021. Photo via Hill & Wood Funeral Home – Charlottesville, VA
I met Mr. Carleton Luck over a decade ago in the Nellysford, Virginia coffee, wine shop & restaurant called Basic Necessities. One of my absolute favorite places on this earth, by the way. I know of no nicer man on this planet. He was the consummate gentleman in every respect. We talked about everything, sales, science, politics, and yes, car restorations. He had the ultimate car. Well, actually an early SUV, a legit Ford Bronco!
My wife Yvette, next to Mr. Luck’s vintage Ford Bronco outside Greenwood Market several years ago. Yvette loved his Bronco and he was always so happy to let people check it our whenever he drove it.
Over several years Mr. Luck had the Bronco restored to its classic state, just off the showroom floor. Occasionally he’d drive it around the area and let people check it out.
Though I loved the Bronco, I loved Mr. Luck far more. His sincerity. His willingness to listen, always. His kindness. Chatting over a cup of coffee. His offering up of complements on our children. And his gentle advice on child rearing. “You’ve got a strong willed boy there Tommy. He will do great things later on and he won’t be a pushover to anyone.” Never forgot that one.
I found out by accident this Wednesday when chatting with a friend over lunch that Mr. Luck had passed. He asked if I knew Mr. Luck, he discovered he’d died while out of town over the Christmas holiday. Sadly I did know Mr. Luck, and I was floored.
I can’t remember the last time Mr. Luck and I spoke in person. Probably early fall 2021 over over a cup of coffee. But I will never forget the 10 plus years of such great conversations he and I had. He was one of my favorite people of all time.
You can read more about Mr. Luck here in his obituary.
I hope he’s driving that beautiful vintage Ford Bronco all over heaven about right now.
Happy trails Mr. Luck. You are missed, so very much.
TommyStafford.com 