Ret. Police Officer William Dale “Uncle Bill” Wilbourn, 64, of Decatur, was called home to be with Jesus on Jan. 21, 2016 after a very long illness.
Bill was born on Nov. 21, 1951, in Scottsboro, Alabama to Harvey B. and Mary E. Wilbourn. He graduated from Austin High School in 1970, John C. Calhoun Community College in 1973, and the 50th Session North East Alabama Police Academy Jacksonville State University summer of 1981. Bill was employed by the JC Murphy Co. in the mid-1970s and Giant Foods Inc. in the late 1970s. Bill was also employed by the Decatur Police Department of Decatur, Alabama, from 1980 until he retired in 2005. To Bill, being a police officer was the job of a life time.
Bill will always be remembered for his love and care of his mother and family, his love for the DPD family of Blue, his dedication and love for Alabama football, his love for the beach, and his love for his church. Bill is survived by his mother, Mary E. Wilbourn, of Decatur; brothers, Terry Wilbourn (Jackie), of Jackson Gap, Alabama, Charles Wilbourn (Connie), of Danville; sisters, Deborah Gilliland (Jimmy), of Trinity, Rebekah James (Bill), of Moulton; nephews, Jason Cartee (Ashley), Jeffrey Cartee (Danielle), Jacob Wilbourn, and Andy Forbus (Rachel); nieces, Rachel Newman, Sydney Wilbourn, Erin Gillott, and Candy Thurs (Tim); many beloved grand-nieces and nephews; and his friend, Bridget Borden.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Harvey B. Wilbourn Jr.; brother, Michael W. Wilbourn; and sister, Thelma M. Wilbourn. Service will be at 2 p.m., with graveside service following at Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery at 741 Danville Rd. SW Decatur, Alabama 35601. Visitation will be Jan. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Jan. 26, from noon to 2 p.m.
Officiating the services will be Pastor Chris Pressnell, of Flint Church of Christ, and Pastor Jack Bailey, of Danville Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be from the retired ranks of the Decatur Police Department, Lt. John Bradford, Lt. Barry Hamilton, Officer Mike Landrum, Sgt. Randy Cavnar, Major Steve Condo, and Lt. Johnny Coker. Honorary Pallbearers will be fellow officers of the Decatur Police Department.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, support, and love during this time. Roll Tide, Uncle Bill, until we can walk the beach with you again. RIP Bravo 71.
