Wilbur Edward Radford Sr.

Captain Wilbur Edward Radford, Sr., a devoted family man and member of his community, passed away December 15, 2024 at the age of 89. Wilbur was born to A.D. Radford and Inez Radford (nee Hines) in Warwick, GA. After graduating from high school, Wilbur enrolled at Georgia Tech in their ROTC program. In 1958, he graduated from Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering. His completion of the ROTC program prepared him to join the United States Army, in which he spent 3 1/2 years serving his country. Wilbur continued his military service through enlistment with the Georgia Air National Guard, where he served until 1968. In 1966, Wilbur was hired as a flight engineer, Delta Class B66, with Delta Airlines. His career at Delta spanned 29 years and brought with it many accolades and accomplishments. He retired at the age of 60 with the rank of Captain. Even though his job was demanding, Wilbur never failed to find time for family. He was actively engaged in his children's education, from PTA to Booster Club, and could always be found cheering them on from the sidelines. He was also a man of many hobbies. Wilbur was happiest rooting around in his garden, where he grew the best tomatoes you have ever tasted. He was an accomplished mechanic and his children always found vehicle help in dad's garage. He enjoyed woodworking and had a special interest in antique furniture restoration. An avid hiker, Wilbur had completed hikes in 40 national parks. He was a generous man to his family and friends, and always even-keeled and good-humored. Wilbur will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his memory will live in our hearts forever. Wilbur is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Dorothy, Elsie, James and Walter. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace G. Radford; children, Chrissy Wells (Rick) of Winter Garden, FL, Wilbur Edward "Eddie" Radford, Jr. (Andrea) of Powder Springs, Lynda Lawson (Bill) of Rockmart, and Micheal Radford (Christie) of Hiram; grandchildren, Tim (Nicole), Jason (Lenzi), Patrick (Lauren), Katie (Ryan), Avery (Joy), Dylan (Kara), Carson, Caelan (Taylor), Morgan, Rachel, and Drew; 10 great-grandchildren; and many beloved extended family and friends. A funeral service honoring Wilbur's life will be held Thursday, December 19th, 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel with Pastor Eric Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in Wilbur's memory to Samaritan's Purse directed towards Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina victims of Hurricane Helene at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/, Calvary Children's Home at https://calvarykids.org/donate/, or the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/.