He graduated from Spaulding High School in 1965. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army, and served 18 months in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969. Wilbur married Janice Earline Hudson, also of Nash County, in February 23, 1970. They were happily married for 48 years, but knew one another for 53 years. Wilbur and Janice settled in Cary, NC to raise their family. He work for and retired from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources in 1999. He also served in the National Guard for 16 years. Wilbur Lucas loved the Lord and his church, Mount Zion Baptist. He served as a Deacon from 1986 to 1996. He was ordained as an Elder in 1997.
Wilbur is survived by his spouse, Janice Lucas; his three children, Shelitha Lucas of Cary, NC, Wilbur Lee Lucas Jr. (Contina) of Raleigh, NC and Christopher Lucas of Cary, NC. Wilbur is also the beloved grandfather to five grandchildren: Lauran Lucas, Joseph Lucas, Jaidyn Pitts, Jordan Pitts and Timothy Slade. He is survived by his siblings, Anna Carol King, Cornelius Dwight Lucas (Elizabeth) and Mrs. Belvia Jean Thompson (Lovell); and a host of relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends starting at 10am on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Mt. Zion Church, 316 Allen Lewis Drive, Cary, NC, with a service following at 11am. Burial will be at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Road, Garner, NC.
