Walter James Wilborn

Walter J. Wilborn was born on April 2, 1933, in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to the late Thomas Wilborn and the late Nancy Alexander Wilborn Rhodes.

Walter attended school in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. After marrying his beloved wife, Laura Mae Jones, they moved to Columbus, Ohio, to start a life together.

Walter, better known as “Bunt,” a man who truly loved life to the fullest and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He was the kind of person you could never miss in a room –loud, full of energy, and always the life of the party. His booming voice, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable. Whether he was telling stories, cracking jokes, or just speaking his mind, he brought laughter and joy wherever he went.

He had a deep love for NASCAR, racing cars, go-carts, and motorcycles. The roar of an engine and the thrill of the race were things he cherished, and he shared that passion with anyone willing to listen. Those moments, whether watching races or talking about them, were some of his happiest.

A hard-working man, he spent much of his life working in blacktopping, taking pride in the work he did and the driveways and parking lots he helped build and repair. He understood the value of a hard day’s work and carried that strength and dedication into every part of his life

Above all, he loved his family and friends. He treasured time spent with the people he cared about ---whether it was at gatherings, cookouts, or just sitting around talking. To many, he wasn’t just a father, grandfather, brother, or uncle; he was everyone’s favorite, a steady presence, a source of laughter, and someone you could always count on.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. His voice, his spirit, and his love for life will live on in all of us.

He was preceded in death by his two sons, Thomas Wilborn and Robert (Bobby) Wilborn; his great-grandchild, Dorelle Brock; his parents, sisters, Zella White and Carolyn Wilborn, and brother, Thomas Wilborn.

He is survived by four grandsons, Thomas (Nicole) Wilborn, Orlando (Rasauna) Wilborn, Robert (Angel) Hughes, and Niki Hughes, 14 great grandchildren,11 great grandchildren, daughter in law, Sharon Wilborn, sisters, Mrs. Pauline Waugh and Mrs. Hazel Triplett, host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins and friends, and very special friend Berthann Bush.