What is your first memory of Wilbur? Share a favorite memory you have of Wilbur. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Wilbur. Describe a time when Wilbur made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Wilbur? Talk about a shared experience you had with Wilbur. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Wilbur. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Wilbur. What is something you learned from Wilbur?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Wilbur Cecil Garner, Jr.

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Milford Mill Academy Virginia Tech

Wilbur Garner, Jr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 26, 2025.

Will suddenly passed in his temporary home on April 10, 2025, in Fairview, North Carolina. His home suffered damage from Hurricane Helene and was not repaired before he died. He loved the Fairview area of North Carolina having moved there from Southern Pines, North Carolina. Will was born in Baltimore City on February 2, 1947, the son of Wilbur C. Garner and Gwendoline Rosa Wilkins.

Will played basketball in high school and was graduated from Milford Mill High School in 1965 and from Virginia Tech in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He was a licensed engineer in NY, IN, NC, GA, VA, FL, and SC.

He was employed by North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) first from 1974-1979 and then from 1990-2005 where he served in many engineering capacities. His positions throughout his working years earned him the nickname of "The Traffic Man."

Will used his engineering skills to help redesign traffic control in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia while employed by JHK and Associates, Evansville, Indiana from 1979-1985. He also combined his skills with his love for golf and served as a Traffic and Transportation Engineer for the USGA's Men's Open Golf Championships for five years.

He held various other positions with Wilcox Professional, NC, and the Long Island Rail Road, NY.

Will eventually retired as a Senior Transportation Engineer in 2017 after 4 years of employment from Moffatt & Nichol, a global infrastructure advisory firm.

Will is survived by his wife the former Carole Margaret Ambrose and his children, Kelly Jo (Jeff Brousal) and Mary Kate Garner; siblings, Carol Clements of Cockeysville, MD, and Karen Messick of Hawaii; granddaughter Harleigh Davis and grandson Sully Davis (Brandee); as well as five great grandchildren.

A virtual memorial service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Wilbur Garner, Jr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

August 7, 2025

Denys Vielkanowitz posted to the memorial.

April 26, 2025

Nancy Simao planted trees.

April 26, 2025

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Denys Vielkanowitz

August 7, 2025

My condolences to the family. I wanted to share Will's influence on me to express my gratitude for my time with him.

Will came into my life at the perfect time in my professional career, contributing to my desire to pursue excellence and to reach my highest potential by considering all options, not being afraid to failing, and use every experience to learn and grow. I was a young(ish) Engineer working for NCDOT in the Signal Timing Group when he joined the 'team'...maybe sometime around 2006.

I enjoyed our discussion on various engineering theories and conversations about previous experiences and technical strategies that made the (small portion of the) world around us 'better'. This was usually done while 'stuck' in the same car, driving up and down the same road, anywhere in North Carolina, over, and over...and over, looking for any realistic improvement within our control or even something someone else needed to be notified about...and then notifying them. He was a classic and dedicated Engineer at heart, looking out for the safety of the public, but also expecting the most out of everyone. Maybe that is what I appreciated the most...he 'expected' me to participate to my fullest potential, to help when asked, and also to learn when to step back and observe. I appreciated his 'no frills' and 'matter of fact' approach to solving problems..."keep it simple, someone else will need to understand this later".

I enjoyed listening to his personal adventures and the frequent ones with his grandson Sully. Sully this, Sully that... He spoke freely and in such great detail, in a way that almost felt like I was there...such a great storyteller. I also remember the stories of motorhome ownership. It always seemed like a great value and a comfortable way to travel, even though there was always something to 'fix'. And the golf! I was so jealous and intrigued when told me he got to work with PGA every year...until he let me know he did not get to watch any of it in person and was working the entire time! Regardless, he seemed to truly enjoy the world of special event planning and added to my respect for his dedication to the profession and to public service...he wanted everyone else's experience to be the best possible.

After I left NCDOT, our interactions became fewer and further between, but whenever I caught a glimpse of Will at conferences, I made sure to say hi, shake hands and 'catch up' for a few minutes. He was easy to spot, towering over the crowd, typically smiling, laughing and engaged in a lively conversation with someone.

Thank you, Will, for the time we had together. You influenced me in the best ways at the right moment in my life and I'll always relish your enthusiasm, support, confidence and friendship.

I'll remember you always.