Shirley Francis Wilbourn
May 26, 1930 ~ July 12, 2016
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Shirley Francis Wilbourn, 86, of Fletcher, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.
A native of Portsmouth, VA, he was a son of the late Elmer and Elsie Gay Wilbourn. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Richard Wilbourn; son, Keith Wilbourn and granddaughter, Samantha Wilbourn.
He was a manager in the Design Engineering department at Asheville Industries, retiring in 1994 and was a member of Lake Hills Church in Candler.
Shirley is survived by his wife of 63 years, Billie Wilbourn; daughter, Terry Wykel; son, Craig Wilbourn; grandsons, Anthony Wilbourn and Spencer Wilbourn and great-grandson, Carson Wilbourn.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 23, 2016 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Dr. James Walker officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.
The family would like to express a special thanks to CarePartners Hospice of Asheville for their love and care and also a special thanks to everyone who has been praying for their family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the CarePartners Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813 (www.carepartnersfoundation.org).
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With caring sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. We will miss Uncle Shirley. He was a true Southern gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor.
I’d like to express deep sympathy for loss of your loved one. I hope and pray this message bring comfort and soothe the pain that you are experiencing at this time. What has help me to cope and deal with lost a love one is found God’s Word the Bible in Psalms 113:5-8 ‘Who is like Jehovah our God, The one who dwells on high? 6 He stoops down to look on heaven and earth, 7 Raising the lowly from the dust. He lifts up the poor from the ash heap 8 In order to make him sit with nobles, With nobles of his people.’ You can find similar comforting verses in the website jw.org.
Aunt Joan, Terry and Craig, I’m so sorry for your loss. Uncle Shirley was such a kind man. You all are in my prayers.
God bless. I have such fond memories of Uncle Shirley, Aunt Joan, Terry and the boys when I got to stay with grandparents Mary and Les in Virginia. Uncle Shirley was always kind to me and, as Darlene said, an absolute gentleman and someone I could truly look up to. My condolences and love to you all.
Billie – I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Shirley were two of my favorites at the Racquet Club. Love and sympathy to you and your family Verna
Our hearts break for your loss, but hope you find comfort in knowing Uncle Shirley is in a better place now. We will always remember the twinkle in his eye, his laughter and soft voice. With our love and deepest sympathy, Leslie & Henry
Aunt Joan and Family,
As you celebrate Uncle Shirley today, I am thinking of you all. I pray for God to embrace you and comfort you with His grace and love. Uncle Shirley was a wonderful and kind hearted man, and the most important thing I remember is how he always made me feel special. My sympathy and love go out to you.