Wilburn Gilmore Bullington, age 83, went to be with The Lord Jesus Christ, on April 6, 2013. Wilburn grew up in Athens, AL in Limestone County. Wilburn invested his life unselfishly in the lives of countless people through the years and leaves behind so many whose lives will be forever changed because of his influence. If you were a friend of Wilburn's, you knew he was available to you for wise counsel, an encouraging visit, or the words necessary to help you through a challenging time in your life. He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and caring wife, Jean Black Bullington, who was his constant caregiver and faithful companion for 62 years. Wilburn attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and graduated in 1951 from Auburn University with a degree in Agriculture Education. He was a staunch Auburn Tiger fan and was a "friendly" but constant irritation to all of his Crimson Tide friends and family. He was predeceased by his parents, John Clifford Bullington and Ruby Hughes Bullington, brothers John Clifford Bullington Jr. , Thomas Harold Bullington, and a son, David Michael Bullington. He is survived by his wife, Jean, a sister, Ruby Wray Smith, a brother, Foy Wallace Bullington of Abilene Texas and sister in law Jean Bullington of Fayetteville, TN., two sons, John Andrew (Bubba) Bullington (Joan) of Mobile, Al., Roy Steven Bullington (Erin) of Pike Road, Al, 5 grandchildren, John Andrew Bullington Jr., (Amy) of Raleigh N.C., Nathan Michael Bullington (Allison) of Nashville, TN, Ashley Amanda Montgomery (Wyatt) of Moulton, AL, Emily Maureen Bullington of Nashville, TN, and Amy Leigh Anderson (Win) of Pelham, AL. He leaves behind 2 great grandchildren , Molly Grace Anderson and Sam Andrew Bullington.
Wilburn was the ultimate champion of the underdog. He helped those around him who needed the courage and confidence to be their best or to conquer an obstacle in their life. He worked for Alfa Insurance for 33 years and recruited, mentored, and served as a role model to many agents and managers who excelled in their career. He started Alfa in the state of Georgia in 1978 and later returned to Alabama as Regional Sales Manager. His last 8 years with Alfa, he became an agent and finished his career doing what he loved best...selling. Wilburn was a trusted ambassador for many causes. He was an original board member of Alabama Christian Academy, served on Faulkner University's Board, and was, most importantly, a faithful and loving Elder at Southside Church of Christ in Macon, Georgia and for the Vaughn Park Church of Christ in Montgomery. He helped direct the merger of The Lakewood and the Druid Hills Church of Christ and combined the efforts of those two churches to become the Vaughn Park Church of Christ. Through his leadership, that church serves its community and the world with ministries that enrich and transform many lives. They, in turn, serve the God he so dearly loved.
Wilburn was a County Extension Agent in Jefferson County at the beginning of his career and was hired by Alabama Farm Bureau in 1959 as a District Sales Manager. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force and served as a radar specialist near the Island of Okinawa.
Wilburn will be greatly missed. His life will stand as a testimony of the Christian Values to which he dedicated his life. When those who loved him most dare to make a difference in the life of another, his legacy will be honored. When those whose life he touched lead a soul to Jesus, his passion for The Lord will live on. When those he encouraged think they have encountered an insurmountable obstacle, yet find the strength and resolve and faith to overcome, his influence will reach far into the future. Wilburn did not have many "casual" friends. If you knew him, in some way, he changed your life for the better. He had a winning personality, an unmatched sense of humor, and so freely gave of his friendship that you counted it a joy to know and love him.
Visitation will be in the Leak Memory Funeral Home Chapel, Montgomery, AL, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 10th, 2013, 10:30 am at Vaughn Park Church of Christ with Minister Brad Sullivan and Minister Demar Elam officiating. Pallbearers will be Bud Rodgers, Mike Vinson, Rob Cox, Tracy Jones, Charles Brackett, Chris Kearns, Gordon Ward, Bruce Pruitt.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to The Vaughn Park Church of Christ Building Fund or to Alabama Christian Academy. On line condolences may be made at www.leak-mc.com.
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