Wilbur "Sonny" DuBose Jr.

Wilbur Columbus DuBose Jr., known lovingly to all as Sonny, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 14, at the age of 81. Born on February 7, 1944, in Lake City, Florida, Sonny lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and a deep love for others.

Though born in Lake City, Sonny was raised in Tampa, Florida, where he built lifelong roots and friendships. He graduated from Hillsborough High School and proudly served his country after enlisting in the United States Navy. Following his service, Sonny dedicated many years to his career at CSX, where he began as a carman and welder and later served as Safety Director for the final 15 years before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and integrity. In addition to his career, he also owned DuBose Land Development, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing for his family.

Sonny faithfully attended Buchanan Baptist Church in Tampa for 23 years. His faith was not only something he believed, but something he lived daily. He never missed an opportunity to share the love of Christ, often carrying a small Jesus figure in his pocket to give away, along with the words, “Jesus loves you, and I do too.”

Above all else, Sonny loved his family. He was the cherished husband of Betty DuBose, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and steadfast partnership. He was a proud father to his four children: Paige Cook and her husband Taylor Cook, Christopher DuBose, Wilbur Columbus “Chip” DuBose III and his wife Nicole DuBose, and Allison DuBose.

Sonny was a devoted grandfather to Brittany Kelley and her husband Codi Kelley, Whitney Cook, Bodie DuBose, and Sunee DuBose, and a proud great-grandfather to Caleb Kelley. He also shared close bonds with his siblings Marie Singletary and Ronnie DuBose, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Columbus DuBose Sr. and Vernice DuBose, and his sister, Jeanette Dunne.

Sonny found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed golfing, reading, woodworking, and painting, and he especially loved telling stories from his younger years. Known for his quick wit and gentle humor, Sonny always had a joke ready and a way of making those around him feel seen, valued, and important. When asked how he was doing, his familiar response was always, “Doing better now that I've seen you.”

A man of strength, honesty, and loyalty, Sonny never hesitated to show his love for his family or his faith in God. He will be remembered as a man who followed Jesus wholeheartedly, loved deeply, and served others generously. His life was a testimony of grace, kindness, and enduring faith.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that Sonny is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who went before him, and hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”