Daniel Wilbur Jones

Daniel Wilbur Jones crossed over the river to rest on the other side on June 6, 2014. Born in Raleigh, NC on April 24, 1928, he was the son of Wiley P. Jones and Mary Cable Jones. The family resided in the Westover area near the State Fairgrounds and moved to Cary, NC in 1939 where he graduated from Cary High School in 1945.

He is survived by wife Jean Flowers Jones, daughter Tammy Jones Russo and her husband Daniel, and grandson, Michael Stephen Russo. He was predeceased by first wife, Marjie Harris Jones, a son, Stephen Courtney Jones and a sister, Doris Jones Buchanan. Survivors also include two nephews, Jace and Curtis Buchanan, and numerous cousins.

Daniel Wilbur received an Associate of Arts degree from Louisburg College in 1949 and served as Editor of the year book in his senior year. He then enrolled at East Carolina College where he was a feature writer for the student newspaper and also served as Editor of the year book during his senior year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951.

Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force. Among his duties, he served as a Senior Information Specialist/Historian and helped compile and edit two technical histories.

After leaving the Air Force, he was appointed as Superintendent of Fort Macon State Park and remained for two years. While there, he helped to restore the museum and conducted many lectures on the history of the Fort for civic clubs and schools.

Daniel returned to East Carolina University and earned his Master’s degree. In 1955, he was hired as Principal of Swift Creek Elementary School and with his wife and new son, he returned to Cary, where 2 years later a daughter was born.

At the time, school Principals were paid for only ten months and so he worked at a series of summer jobs, including measuring tobacco and supervising recreation programs for the Raleigh City Parks. In 1960, he accepted a position with the Controller’s Office of the State Board of Education. Thus began his thirty year tenure with the State Board and the Department of Public Instruction.

During his career, he attended management seminars, to hone his professional skills and received a certificate from the School of Business Administration, Government Executives Institute at UNC.

While employed with the Controller’s Office, he was Director of the Division of Teacher Allotment and later served as Senior Associate Controller. After the merger of the Controller’s Office and the Department of Public Instruction, he was appointed Director of External Relations (Legislative Liaison). Over the years, he worked to get educational programs passed by the Legislature and was often complimented by Legislators who said that he always gave a thorough and honest report.

Daniel was active in church, civic, fraternal and educational activities. He served as a Boy Scout Troop Councilor, and was voted into the Order of the Arrow. He was a Mason (Veterans Emblem) of Cary Lodge 198, a member of the Scottish Rite, and Amran Shrine. He belonged to the American Legion and served as President of the State Employees’ Association. He received the honor of the Association’s Employee of the Year.

Daniel Wilbur helped organize and was the first President of the Cary Jaycees. He served as Precinct Chairman and as President of the Wake County Democratic Men and he was named “Boss of the Year” by Educational Office Personnel. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Order of the Southern Cross, and the National Rifle Association. He belonged to the Raleigh Civil War Round Table.

He was an active member of the Military Order of Stars and Bars and served as Commander General and was editor of two anniversary history books about the organization. He received numerous awards and citations from the MOS&B including their highest award, the Robert E. Lee Chalice which is given for “Superior Achievement and Outstanding Service.”

He was a three time finalist for the Governor’s Award for Management Excellence from the State Board of Education, and received the Executive of the Year Award from the State Board of Education Controller’s Office.

Governor Jim Hunt appointed Daniel to the Board of Trustees, Teachers and State Employees Retirement System, the N.C. Foundation for Alternative Health Programs, and the N.C. Cemetery Commission. Governor Mike Easley re-appointed him to the Cemetery Commission and he served for ten years until resigning for health reasons.

Daniel Wilbur pursued and enjoyed genealogy (he researched and wrote two family histories). He also enjoyed woodworking, shooting, fishing, writing and historical research.

He often said his most satisfying life experience was teaching. Perhaps this was the incentive for aiding two organizations in establishing scholarship programs that have helped many students obtain a college education.

Daniel Wilbur overcame tragic events in his life through his abiding faith in God and the solace of family and friends. Words that best describe him are that he was a man of utmost integrity and when things did not go to his satisfaction, he worked with renewed effort to reach his goal and never gave up.

A funeral service will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Cary, on Tuesday, June 10 at 2:00 pm followed by graveside services at Raleigh Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be held at 1:00 pm prior to the services. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.brownwynnecary.com. Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to: Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565 (www.mhc-oxford.org)