Robert James Wilburn

Robert James Wilburn, 73, of Florence, passed away November 3, 2017.  A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Fall River Cemetery in Fall River, Tennessee (Leoma, TN.)  Officiating will be Joe Bogle.

Mr. Wilburn was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ivorene Jackson Wilburn; paternal grandparents, G.T. and Florence Wilburn; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Maymie Jackson, all of Fall River, TN.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jo Hudson Wilburn of Florence; sons, Wyatt Wilburn (Tasha) of Dover, TN, Glenn Wilburn of Florence; daughter, Melissa Hearn (Chuck) of Florence; brothers, Roger Wilburn of Fall River, TN, and Wayne Wilburn of Centre, AL; grandchildren, Casey Wilburn (Shai); Rainey and Ian Janson; great-grandson, Solomon Wilburn; brother-in-law, Larry Hudson (Joan) of Memphis, TN; nephew, Aaron Hudson (Jenni) of Athens, AL; and great-nephew, Riley Hudson; cousins, Gloria Oliver (Joe) of Nacogdoches, TX, and Patricia Motes of Fall River, TN; and several other cousins.

Robert was born on July 20, 1944 in Lawrenceburg, TN.  He was a graduate of Coffee High School, Class of 1962, and attended Florence State University.  Robert was in the Army Reserve 883rd Quartermaster Company, ending his service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.  Robert had a passion for being a paratrooper and was a parachute rigger and inspector.  Robert worked as a Lab Technician at Wise and Reynolds Alloys Plant and retired after 44 years.

Robert was a loving, devoted, and caring husband to Barbara for 53 years and was an affectionate father to Wyatt, Glenn, and Melissa.  He was also very influential in the life of his grandson, Casey.  He always took time for his family and passed on his fondness of nature, the outdoors, and conservation to all.   Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, photography, and reading.   He was a soft-spoken, quiet man; to know him was to love him.  His absence will be noticeable to all whose lives he touched.  He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to one of Robert's favorite charities, the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the Fall River Cemetery Fund c/o Judy White, 25 Clear Creek Road, Leoma, TN 38468.

 Service Information