Wilbur Leon Barbour

Wilbur Leon Barbour, of Wilson, departed this life on Friday November 4, 2022 at the age of 87 years in the Wilson Nursing Center. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Wilson with Rev. Ronnie Harris officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Hewitt Cemetery of Wilson. Services are under the direction and care of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Wilbur was born on January 5, 1935 in Wirt, Oklahoma to the late Mr. J.D. Barbour and Mrs. Mellie Mae (Ferguson) Barbour.

He was raised in Wilson from the age of 7 months old and was the baby of four children. Wilbur attended Wilson schools and graduated with the Wilson High School Class of 1953. After graduation, on July 14, 1953 he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his Country in the Korean Conflict and many more years after. Wilbur retired from his military career on June 30, 1988. He was a Sergeant First Class E-7 and had received many awards throughout his military career. He had received the National Defense Service Ribbon w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal x 4, Sharpshooter (Rifle M1), SPS (M-14 Rifle), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Wilbur had resided in Wilson since 1971 with his family and worked for the City of Wilson for several years. He loved to carve wood, go fishing, lecture others when they needed it, and occasionally he would write poetry when it was appropriate. Two of his poems have been published. Wilbur was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wilson.

Mr. Barbour is preceded in death by his parents; J.D. Barbour and Mellie Mae (Ferguson) Barbour; son, Thurman Dale Barbour; twin grandsons, Randall Lee and Andrew Joseph Barbour; great grandson, Stephen Mathew “Bubba” Hager, Jr.; brother and sister in law, Bill and Nancy Barbour; brothers in law, Calvin Tucker and Stanley Welch; son in law, Bill Jones.

He is survived by his children, Toni Phillips and husband Bob of Ardmore, Darren Barbour and wife Sherri of Lone Grove, Sharon Jones of Healdton, and Dala Turner and husband Keith of Ardmore; mother of his children, Mary Barbour of Ardmore; grandchildren, Josh Barbour and wife Stephanie, Brandi Forsythe and husband Jeremiah, Bethany Denny and husband Christopher, Brittany Hagar and husband Stephen, Andrea Williams, Justin Phillips and wife Amber, Traci Mussyal and husband Brett; great grandchildren, Ashlyn Barbour and Zane Wilson, Jaren Forsythe, Austin Barbour, Jaxon Forsythe, Adison Hager, Alyssa Hager, Maci Hagar, Brittany Jennings, Wyatt Hodges, Lucas Denney, Ethan Denney, Levi and Zeke Phillips; sisters, Emma Jean Tucker of Wilson, and Mona Welch of Sulphur; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Serving as Casket Bearers will be Josh Barbour, Pat Tucker, Terrell Tucker, Duane Welch, Rodney Welch, and George Shaw.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bobby Barbour, Billy Barbour, David Shaw, Bob Phillips, Keith Turner, and Ricky Armstrong.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 from 6 - 8:00 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Online condolences can be made at alexandergrayfh.com