Wilburn, Gary

A life gone to soon, so much left unsaid, for just one more chance to say good bye, which never came. Gary Wilburn suffered from his own illness which worsened as he aged. Working for years to overcome his illness and did so several times.

He could never completely break free of the pain that plagued him up until he lost the battle, on April 29, 2019. He went to his heavenly home. His pain is gone, and he has found the peace he so desperately searched for on earth but never found 2 years and 5 months later his earthly body came home to Giles County.

Gary was a son, a brother, a husband, a dad but more importantly he was a child of God. Gary was of the Baptist faith, and pledged his love of God by being baptized at the First Baptist Church in Rich Creek, VA. At the age of 10. While his life took many turns thought out the years his faith remained strong until the end.

Gary was a 1973 graduate of Narrows High School, after which he attended New River Community College, studying police science, and welding. Gary worked in the welding field until he left his job at Long-Airdox due to a layoff, looking to retrain in a new field, he went on to become a CNA at Riverview Nursing Home in Rich Creek, this is where his God given talent was obvious as he was a people person, his skill and patience, helped his patients feel safe and well cared for, they and their families loved him for it, he remained in this field until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pamela Fay Tate Wilburn, his parents, Robie Jackson and Helen Louise Buzzard Wilburn, His maternal grandparents William Cash and Ada Elizabeth Hare Buzzard and paternal grandparents, Floyd Jackson and Mary Ellen Blankenship Wilburn, and a first cousin Debra Ellen Shires Martin who passed shortly after her cousin Gary.

He is survived by his son Stevin Wilburn (Kaahea) of Virginia. His sister Pamela Wilburn Dunn (Roger) of Narrows, Virginia, friends Barry Skeens of Mocksville, North Carolina and Glenn Mann of Colorado as well as many numerous friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Staying with Gary’s wishes he was cremated, and his ashes placed with family, due to the length of time to bring him home, the graveside service was private he is at finally home and at peace. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home were honored to serve the family.