Wilbur Bobby Carver, Jr.

Wilbur Bobby Carver, Jr. began his life’s journey on January 21, 1944, in Ocilla, Irwin County, GA the oldest son of seven children born to the late W. B. (Dub) Carver, Sr. and Iona Royal Carver.

Wilbur accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mathis Chapel Baptist Church in Irwin County, GA. He maintained his membership at churches throughout his lifetime including Alders Gate United Methodist Church in Warrensville, OH and finally at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Albany, GA, where he served on the usher board.

Wilbur’s life mission was education for both himself and those whose paths he crossed. He began his education in the Irwin County Public School System graduating from Irwin County High School in Ocilla, GA, in 1962 and continued his education at Albany State College (University) in 1967, graduating with a BS in Middle Grades Math and Science. Furthering his academic quest, he received his Masters’ of Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland Heights, OH, with additional graduate work done at Akron University and NOVA University.

Wilbur’s dedication to family was unrivaled. He united in holy matrimony with his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Dorothy J. Gordon Carver on April 8, 1967. To this union a son, W. Bobby, III and a daughter, Erika Lynne were born. The family shares stories of his participation in his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities, social functions, and civic involvement.

Wilbur’s mission to serve others and his community was molded when he was initiated in the “Mighty” Chi Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Albany State. This affiliation was a lifelong source of honor and pride for Wilbur. He served in numerous capacities with the local Eta Omicron Chapter and Statewide. He was privileged to serve as the Fraternity’s Statewide Representative for the State of GA. In 2016, the Eta Omicron Chapter honored Wilbur by naming its Annual Fund Raiser the Wilbur Carver Purple and Gold Golf Tournament College Scholarship. Countless lives have been impacted by Wilbur’s dedication to Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. In 2014, he received the honor of Fifty Years of Dedicated Service to his beloved fraternity.

His professional career spanned over 40 years along the east coast, including Worth County School System, GA; Dougherty County School System, GA; Newark Public Schools, Newark, NJ; and East Cleveland Schools, East Cleveland, OH. Upon his return to GA, he focused on his compassion for At-Risk students by working for the Turner Job Corps, Albany Technical College, Dougherty County School System, and Albany State University. 

On November 3, 2020, Wilbur answered the call to gain his heavenly wings and joined his family, fraternity brothers and friends in the great beyond. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Runelle Carver George and Gwendolyn Carver Barthell.

Wilbur’s lifelong commitment to integrity will be continued by his wife, Dorothy; children Bobby (Kimberly) of Ellenwood, GA and Erika Lynne of Brunswick, GA; Grandchildren: Wilbur Bobby Carver, IV, Tierra Allyssa Baker, Tianna Adricia Baker and Daniel Gordon Carver; Great-Grandsons: Taylon and Chance Baker; Siblings: Essie (Allan) Carver Latham and Jo Evelyn (Robert) Carver Marshall of New Jersey, Lewis (Keiko) Carver of California and Priscilla Carver Glover of Ocilla, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers, mentees and friends.

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