William Clarence Wilber

William ("Bill" (a.k.a. “Dr. Whiz”)) Clarence Wilber, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center after a brief illness and was surrounded by his family who loved him so very much. Bill was born on August 6, 1938, in Norfolk, VA to the late C.O. and Betty Phelps Wilber and after serving a term in the Navy, he moved to Spartanburg, SC. Everyone who knew Bill got a taste of his “unique” sense of humor and more than likely, he made you belly laugh at some point, and he certainly had quite a fan base of hospital staff during his short stay there.

Bill was a jack-of-all-trades for most of his life, from working for Seaboard Coastline Railroad to becoming a self-made knife-maker and turned out some of the most beautifully handcrafted knives that are still highly sought to this very day. He also had a story written about him that was published in the ‘Encyclopedia of American Knives: How Knives Are Made.” He then went on to dabble in photography, was a Gunsmith, built a drag racing car which he lovingly named after his favorite arcade game, “Pac-Man”, and loved any and everything to do with cars before he found his true passion: Technology. To say Bill was a fan of technology would be quite an understatement. He loved any and everything that had a screen and glowed and you can bet your bottom dollar he was the proud owner of every new techy gadget that hit the market.

Bill also was a lover of music – music of all genres. His favorite, however, was the band ABBA. His family made sure that he got to jam out to his favorite ABBA songs as he left this world and went home to be with all of his family and friends that went on before him.

Bill loved BIG. He loved his family and friends deeply and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he had the chance. He is survived by his former wife, Ann Jackson, who was a dear friend and mother to their four incredibly cool children: son, Chris Wilber (Helen); daughters, Kim O’Ferrell (David); Karen Leamy (Steve); and, Kelly Ayers (Adam). He is also survived by his youngest brother, Lloyd Wilber (Nancy Taylor), as well as five wonderful grandchildren, Zach, Erin, Kelsey, Tyler, and Ali; five beautiful great-grandchildren; and, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Two younger brothers, Wesley Wilber and Kendrick Wilber, predeceased him.

At Bill’s request, a funeral service will not be held. The family will plan a celebration of his incredible life, which will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, if you would like, raise a cup of coffee in his honor, crack a funny joke, have dessert before your meal (he loved that), or dance like no one is watching to some ABBA.

Animals held a very special place in Bill’s heart and he particularly had a soft spot for cats. To honor Bill’s memory, the family asks that donations be made to any animal rescue, shelter, or charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

We love you, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Bill – beyond the moon and stars and back.