Wilbur Eggleston

Wilbur

Eggleston

Asheville - Wilbur Eggleston of 32 Hillside St. died Thursday, June 23, 2011. A native of Elizabeth City he was a son of Wilbur Casper Eggleston and Rosa Cole Eggleston. Both parents preceded him in death.

Mr. Eggleston joined Corner stone Baptist Church at an early age under the direction of Rev. J. McRay and served as a junior usher. He was a graduate of Moore High School and attended A&T State University beginning in 1941. He withdrew for approximately two years when as a taxi driver he came in contact with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and others who helped him develop as a student and person concerned for his fellow man. In December 1947 he graduated from A&T State University and was employed at the university as an assistant in the engineering/trades Dept. and also worked with the Railway Express. When a position became available in Canton he came to look at the new Reynolds School and was immediately hired by Andrew Hutchins, then superintendent. They were looking for someone who could coach football and handle academic courses as well. He accepted the position at Reynolds and at the same time pursued his master's degree. When integration was only a token effort, he enrolled at NC State University in Raleigh at which time he could not sleep on campus. He came to Canton in 1948 and helped put the finishing touches on the Reynolds building and grounds. At Reynolds he coached, drove the team bus, coached drama, taught math (all areas), physics, drafting, art trades and assisted the principal in disciplinary matters. He was instrumental in integrating the stadium by deliberately failing to divide his fans with a rope. They have been sitting together ever since. In 1966 he transferred to Pisgah High School where he taught Introduction to Industry Carpentry and Math. He retired in 1983.

He joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church soon after moving to Canton where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, Chairman of the building committee and trustee board, as well as other duties needing his expertise. He and his students built the Baptist Church and pulpit furniture.

In the community he was involved in many, many areas serving on boards and participating in community projects. He was a member of the YMI Cultural Center Board of Directors, the local Recreation Board of the Town of Canton, the Haywood County Health Board, Dept. of Transportation Board, Board of Accreditation of Haywood County School System and served two terms as president of the Canton Civitan Club. He was often called upon by civic leaders in matters of public concern and was instrumental in promoting the causes that are beneficial to children such as scholarships, academic and athletic. He was an active member of the A&T Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the Masons and Waynesville Missionary Baptist Assoc. Surviving are his wife, LaTiece Roberts Eggleston; sons, Robert Earl (Kathleen) of Canton, Wilbur Eugene (Cynthia) of Durham and David Karl of Fayetteville; daughters, Deborah L. Eggleston-Clark (Henry) of Garner, Sandra L. Eggleston Chestnut (Mallory) of Boston, MA and Carol D. Eggleston of Columbia, MD; twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be Monday at 10 a.m. until Noon service hour in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Private interment will be in Alexander Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hart Funeral Service. An online memorial register is available at www.hartfuneralservice.com