Wilbur Elwin Fipps: Tabor City

1926 – 2023

     Wilbur Elwin Fipps of Tabor City passed peacefully on May 5 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 97.

     His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him and ultimately gave him peace.

     Wilbur was born to the late Oscar (Judge) and Kate Fipps in Tabor City on Jan. 16, 1926. After marrying the love of his life, Ida Boswell Fipps, he dedicated his life to the Lord on March 19, 1950. Throughout his life, he embodied many roles to those around him, including: Good Samaritan, fisherman, brick mason, copperhead, perch, neighbor and friend. To his family, he was the best husband, father, grandaddy, great grandaddy, and great great grandaddy. He was and will always be the epitome of what a daddy should be.

     Wilbur served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 and nobly served his country during WWII on the USS Randolph. Upon returning home, he became an expert brick mason and was sought after for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic ability.

     He was a founding member of Emmanuel Holiness Church and served there throughout his life. He devoted his God given time and talents as a brick mason in the construction of the church.

     Throughout his life he was an exemplary disciple to the congregation and community. To talk to Wilbur was to hear about Christ. He was an avid fisherman and a fisher of men. He lived his beliefs by selfless example in visiting the sick, caring for the widows, and generously giving to anyone in need.

     He is survived by his wife Ida; sons Steven (Janice) and Gayron; daughters Katy Fipps, Robin Fipps, Myra Hilbourn (John), Donda Perry (Robert); grandchildren Stephanie Davis (Jody), Jake Fipps (Miriam), Tamara Selzer (Jacob), Jeremy Fipps, Brianna Eibest (Matt), Fran Cox, Shanna Gore (Nick), Magan Barnes (Stephen), Hunter Fipps, Jena Strickland (Jason); and leaves a lasting legacy with 22 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

     He was predeceased by his sons Eddie and Gerald.

     Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Holiness Church. Burial followed in the Myrtle Green Cemetery.

     Family would like to recognize Lower Cape Fear Lifecare for their exceptional care and love for our family throughout this journey. They became part of our family.

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