Wilber Earl Rabon, 77, of Leland, NC, died peacefully at his residence surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren on Monday, January 21, 2013. He was born September 12, 1935, in Brunswick County, the son of the late Frank Columbus Rabon and Cora Flowers Rabon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings; James Roy Rabon, Elsie Manning, Emma Louise Major, Lillian Watkins, Daniel Rabon, Landis Rabon, and Frankie Rabon.
Wilber is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Anderson Rabon, who was his high school sweetheart and first and only love of 62 years. He also is survived by sons; Randy Rabon (Anita Bridgers), Wayne Rabon (Kim Medlin), daughters; Kathy Summerlin (Harvey), Melody Lugo (Rocky) all of Leland, NC, siblings; Elizabeth "Bill" Mercer, Carter Rabon, Tonda Henry, Cheryl Mintz, and Gayle Sullivan, grandchildren; Holly Summerlin Sellers (Michael), Erica Summerlin Kopp (Daniel), Adrianne Lugo Terzian (Eddy), Chad Summerlin (Candice), Christopher Rabon, Candice Rabon Jozak (Jon), Charles Brandon Rabon, and Morgan Lugo, great grandchildren; Macy Sellers, Brooke Rabon, Christian Summerlin, Gage Sellers, Sarah Katherine Kopp and Anna Kopp, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his mother in law, Alma Anderson, 98, whom he dearly loved and cherished.
Wilber will be remembered as a loving husband and a caring father, grandfather, and brother who valued his family and friends deeply. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending his time outdoors. He graduated from Bolivia High School and then attended NC State University. After graduation he worked at Federal Paper Co. in Riegelwood, NC where he retired after 40 years. He spent many years serving the state of North Carolina and Brunswick County. He was the recipient of the state's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Wilber served on the Brunswick County Board of Education, was a Brunswick County Commissioner, was appointed to the NC Highway Commission, served on the NC Department of Transportation Board, and was a member of the Southeastern Economic Development Commission and the Southeastern Mental Health Board. He was a member of the Orient Masonic Lodge 395 for 47 years, and an active member of the Sudan Temple of New Bern, and a charter member of the Brunswick County Shrine Club. He also served on the Board of Directors for Security Savings Bank since 1984. He is a lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church.
A funeral service for Wilber will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2919 Galloway Road Northeast, Bolivia, NC 28422 at 11:00am with the Reverend Anthony Clemmons officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 am to 11:00am at the church. Following the funeral service a burial service will be held at Zion United Methodist Church, 6864 Zion Church Road Northeast, Leland, NC 28451.
Pallbearers will be Sandy Dew, Vincent Driggers, Ed "Bud" Maultsby, Tom Maultsby, Scott Phillips and Gene Ward. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ralph Frazier, Louis Grissom, Tommy Harrelson, Frank Henry, Ronald Hewett, Barry Jethwa, Roy Mintz, Elbert Mobley, R.G. Sellers, and Greg Swain.
The family would like to thank Dr. Neill Musselwhite and his staff for the loving care and support they provided Wilber and his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane SE Bolivia, NC 28422, Zion United Methodist Church of Leland, NC, or a charity of one's choice .
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblewardsmithwilmington.com.
The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Mr. Wilber Earl Rabon.
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