Kenneth Wilber

1923 - 2013

Kenneth Earl Wilber

Greenville

Kenneth Earl Wilber, 89, passed away at his home in Greenville, SC on Thursday, April 4, 2013 after a courageous battle of six years with Alzheimer's disease and cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lucille (Lucy) Simpkins Wilber of the home, and his son, Kenneth E. Wilber II of Denver, CO.

Ken worked 12 years as Director of Purchasing with Riegel Textile Corporation here in Greenville beginning in 1971.

Kenneth Wilber was a native of Brighton, NY. He was an undefeated quarter miler at Brighton High School when World War II interrupted his running career causing him to leave behind several track scholarships. He was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Alburtae Wilber, and his sister, Thelma Wilber Briggs of Columbia, SC. He is survived by his sister's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A special thank you goes to his grand-niece, Kelly Crary and her 3 year old son, Sam, as they both cared for and enriched Ken's last few years of life.

Ken entered the Army Air Corps January 2, 1943. After testing 2nd out of 800 applicants, he chose to become a bomabardier. He was sent to the Pacific to Guam and flew as a part of the 314th Bombardment Wing in B-29s. Ken flew 31 missions over Japan as lead bombardier.

In 1946, immediately after the war, he found himself in Greensboro, NC where he made two momentous decisions…to marry Lucille (Lucy) Simpkins of Oriental, NC and to stay in the Air Force and become a pilot. Ken served his country for 29 years in the Air Force during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was a command pilot who flew 38 missions of the Berlin Airlift. Ken received 17 medals and awards for his service including the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters and 6 Air Medals. He piloted 10 different aircraft during his career. He retired at Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB (Nebraska) on October 1, 1971.

Ken was of the Baptist faith. He loved all sports and played golf at courses all over the world. Lucy Wilber would like to acknowledge the tremendous help and support she has received from her nephew, Bruce Brazelle and her neighbors, Dr. Woody Long and his wife Bobbie, and neighbor, Betsy Boyer. She also thanks her sister, Alma Vankerckhove and two sons, John and Paul, for their weekly phone calls to them.

No local services or visitations will be held. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Oriental, NC. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29601.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest