Wilbur D. Easler

Wilbur D. Easler, 98, of Carrboro, passed away November 13, 2021 at the University of NC Medical Center in Chapel Hill. Born on November 5, 1923 in Cherokee Springs in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he was the 9th and last child of John Rice Easler and Iola George Easler. Wilbur and his 8 Siblings grew up on a farm where they helped their parents with the chores while attending school. Wilbur loved to play baseball after school with anyone in the community who would meet him at the ball field. He also loved to talk about how wonderful his Mom was and would frequently tell the story about how she would make fruit turnovers for him as an after school snack if he would run to the orchard and bring back three apples or peaches. Wilbur’s love of baseball and sports in general continued throughout his long life. After high school, Wilbur joined the Army and achieved the rank of Major at his retirement in April 1965. His military career included recruitment duties, serving in the 55th Medical Battalion and tours of duty in Germany and South Korea. Wilbur’s last assignment prior to retiring from the Army was at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Wilbur met his future spouse Rachel Louise Frick in Spartanburg. Rachel was from Spencer, North Carolina but was working as a registered nurse at Spartanburg General Hospital. Wilbur and Rachel were married in 1948 and had two children, Nancy Gail Easler Harris and Phillip Dean Easler. After retiring from the Army in 1965, Wilbur and the family moved to Carborro, NC where he began a second career as a Purchasing Agent for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Wilbur retired from his second career in 1986. Following his second retirement, Wilbur and Rachel enjoyed two decades together camping and traveling. Rachel passed away in 1999. Wilbur’s enjoyment of life stemmed chiefly from his love for his family and staying connected with an extended network of relatives. Wilbur also enjoyed travel with Rachel gardening and sports. He built several rooting beds and took many cutting of that became shrubs for planting in his yard. He just loved to see things grow. Having played baseball as a young man, Wilbur continued his love of sports. Living in Carrboro, Wilbur quickly became a serious Tar Heels fan and never missed a televised game, staying up to all hours of the night to see a game to the finish. And he never got frustrated when the Tar Heels lost. His family would frequently remark that if the Tar Heels only knew how loyal he was, they would count Wilbur as one of the best. From his house in Carrboro Wilbur could hear the beating of the drums at halftime on football game day. Throughout his long life, Wilbur remained a very decent person, always exhibiting the highest integrity and loyalty in all facets of his life. Wilbur was hard-working and generous and cared deeply for family, friends and neighbors. Wilbur was always very proud of his military service and probably would have ranked that time of his life as one of the best. Wilbur is survived by his daughter Nancy Harris (Joseph), son Philip Easler (Brenda), and granddaughters Wendy Harris (Andrew Dabbs), Grace Easler, and Rachel Easler. A very fine human-being, soldier, husband, father, neighbor and friend, we will miss Wilbur very much. A graveside service will be conducted 12 p.m. Friday (November 19th) at Rowan Memorial Park officiated by Rev. William Ketchie. Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Army National Guard. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Easler family. Online condolences may be made at www.summesettfuneralhome.com

Wilbur D. Easler

November 5, 1923 - November 13, 2021