Deacon Wilbur Means

Obituary for Deacon Wilbur Means

Spartanburg, SC- Deacon Wilbur Means, 92, of 1513 Old Canaan Rd., entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 after a brief illness at Mary Black Hospital. Mr. Means was born on February 16, 1925 to the late Fred Means and Maggie Louise Whitmire Means. He was the husband of the late Leola Shands Means for sixty-four years.  Wilbur graduated from Foster Chapel High School, Class of 1944. He was a U. S. Army Veteran serving in World War II.  Mr. Means retired from Draper Corporation after thirty years of service. He was previously employed with Dunbar Antiques and several Charter Bus Transportation Services.  He was a member of The Robert Smalls Lodge #133.  Deacon Means was a life-long member of Harrison Grove Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board, Finance Committee, Rector All-Male Chorus, Mass Choir, President of the Usher Board, President of the Tyger River Baptist Association Ushers Auxiliary, Willing Workers Sympathy Club and Humane Society.  Wilbur was one of the first players of a Negro League Baseball team.  Survivors include: his son, Garvin E. Means of Spartanburg, SC; his sister, Mattie M. Means of Roebuck, SC; his granddaughters, Vanessa (Bernard) Logan and Brandy (Devron) Johnson; his three great-granddaughters; his four great-great-granddaughters; his sisters-in-law, Fannie S. Rogers and Mary Louise M. Means both of Spartanburg, SC; his devoted niece, Betty Williams; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: a sister, Elnora M. Williams; his brothers, Fred Thomas Means and Charlie Marion Means.  Deacon Wilbur Means will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church.  A Celebration of the Life of  Deacon Wilbur Means will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Harrison Grove Baptist Church, 299 Harrison Grove Rd., Roebuck, SC. Pastor Allen V. Rector will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

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