A family is not only born — it is made. For Cody Shugart from Victoria, Texas, that truth shaped his entire life. Cody says he never had a relationship with his biological father, and growing up without that support made childhood and adulthood far more difficult.
Even so, Cody wasn’t alone. He was surrounded by good men who chose to guide him, becoming the father figures he didn’t have by blood.
Cody’s Childhood Without a Father
Growing up, Cody faced many challenges without a dad’s presence, including:
- Learning how to handle life as a boy and teenager without steady guidance
- Becoming a man without a consistent father figure to rely on
- Finding confidence and direction through the support of others instead
The Man Cody Never Forgot: Mr. Milton “Chip” West
Among the men who supported him, one stood out most: Mr. Milton West, Cody’s next-door neighbor—affectionately known as “Mr. Chip.”
Cody shared that Mr. Chip was:
- A retired operator from DOW Chemical
- Someone who had been there for Cody since he was two years old
- A steady, caring mentor who helped shape Cody into a better person
Life Lessons Mr. Chip Taught Cody
Cody credited Mr. Chip with teaching him values that carried into adulthood, including:
- The importance of education
- Responsibility and hard work, even in everyday tasks like caring for a yard
- Character over appearance — “see people for who they are, not what they look like”
- Respect and love for family, especially treating Cody’s mother with honor
- How to become a better son, man, and future father
Cody described Mr. Chip’s role as a major reason he grew into a responsible adult.
A New Generation: Baby Bob Wayne Meets “Pop”
Years later, Cody married and became a father himself. In May, Cody and his wife welcomed their son: Bob Wayne Shugart.
When Mr. Chip and his wife Shirley met the baby, they quickly bonded with him. Cody shared that:
- Mr. Chip and Shirley fell in love with Bob Wayne
- They sometimes babysat him
- Cody and his family visited whenever they could
During one visit, Mr. Chip made a heartfelt request: he wanted Bob Wayne to call him “Pop.” To match the nickname, Cody’s family chose a name for Shirley too: “Lolli.”
So now, Cody tells his son they’re going to see “Lolli Pop.”
The Viral Photo That Touched Thousands
Cody posted a photo of baby Bob Wayne sitting on Mr. Chip’s lap, and it quickly went viral—earning thousands of likes and shares.
To many people, the image felt powerful because it showed:
- Love and family beyond skin color
- A bond built on care, trust, and time
- A reminder that real family can be formed through kindness and commitment
A Message Bigger Than One Family
Cody’s story highlights a reality many families understand: not every child grows up with their biological father present. But his life also shows something just as true—when good people step in, a child can still grow up surrounded by love and guidance.
Cody said he is grateful that Mr. Chip and Shirley will be part of Bob Wayne’s life, and he hopes his son learns:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Empathy
- How to become a great man, the way Cody did with Mr. Chip’s help
Conclusion: Family Knows No Boundaries
Cody’s journey, and the bond with Grandpa Chip, proves a simple truth: family is not defined only by blood. Sometimes, family is the person next door who shows up year after year—teaching, guiding, and loving like a father.
