Wilbur L. Garris Sr.

He was born in Pender County on November 12, 1926 to the late Fatima Woodcock Garris and John Garris.

Wilbur was known as your “go to” man. He could fix almost anything and would lend a helping hand whenever needed. One of Wilbur’s most devoted “best buds” was Bobby Chadwick. They were a great team together whether it was doing yard work for a needy neighbor, cooking bbq or frying fish at the church. Wilbur also looked forward each morning to meeting the “chairmen” at a local Hardee’s to fellowship and discuss community needs.

Papa, as he was affectionately called, had strong allegiances to his family, the Lord and his country, as he was a proud WWII Veteran serving in Italy. But most assuredly was Papa’s love for his family. He always made time to attend any functions for his grandchildren and supported any of their endeavors. Papa was their confidant, their friend and their most treasured mentor. His whole demeanor would change and he would get the greatest pleasure from being in the presence of his two great-grandsons, Julian and Adrian Lazar.

The family would like to especially thank Papa’s special companion, Mrs. Jane Crawford for her undevoted care of him and continuous support to our family. Papa, you will be sorely missed by so many, but we know you are in our Lord’s care and finally united with Kathleen after seventeen years of her absence.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Kathleen Melton Garris.

He is survived by his three sons: W. Lee Garris, wife Linda, grand-daughter LeAnn Lazar and husband Aaron Lazar, two great-grandsons, Julian and Adrian Lazar, John D. Garris, wife Loraine, grandson David. Alan Garris, wife Karen, grandson Matthew, grand-daughters, Jessica and Jillian Garris; his sister, Mrs. Evelyn Gillenwater of Jacksonville, NC; many nieces and nephews; and special companion Mrs. Jane Crawford.

A visitation will be Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM at Coble Ward-Smith, Oleander Chapel. A funeral service will be Friday, June 8, 2012 at 11 AM at Wrightsboro Baptist Church on Castle Hayne Rd., officiated by Rev. Mike Lewis. Pallbearers are from New Hanover County Sheriff’s Dept. Honorary pallbearers will be from the Nick Mintz Sunday School Class at Wrightsboro Baptist Church.