Wilbur Ray Hales

May 11, 1934 - April 17, 2019
Wilbur Ray Hales

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Wilbur Ray Hales, Sr., age 84, of Wilmington passed away Wednesday evening, April 17, 2019, at his home.

Wilbur was born in Wilmington NC on May 11, 1934.

Wilbur’s family was the love of his life, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, friends and extended family. The love and respect he has shared with all who came to know him will last in our hearts forever.

Wilbur’s Mother the late Mary Millinor Hales and Father John Solomon Hales had 12 children. Wilbur was the youngest of 9 brothers. Johnnie Morris, Lee Roy, Mary Elizabeth, James, Robert, Clarence, Jessie, Johnnie, Lloyd, Troy and Frank Hales. It was a family filled with love, kindness, laughs and dedication.

Wilbur was predeceased by his wife Betsy Morgan Hales, he is survived by his son Wilbur Ray Hales, Jr.of Wilmington, daughter Brenda Hales Boone and husband Douglas of Hampstead and Wilson, two grandchildren Amanda Thomas and Brandon Hales of Wilmington, two great-grandchildren Jacob Prevo and Sailor Thomas of Hampstead, NC.
Wilbur and his brother Troy were the original owners of Greenfield Transmission, Wilbur later opened another business, Econo Transmission until retirement in 1994.

Wilbur made such a difference in so many lives, he tried to teach, train and help everyone. He was a mentor to all and wanted them to always find ways to succeed for their future. Wilbur loved building his home and designing furniture, cars, boats basically anything that was wood or had a motor or transmission. Music was such an enjoyment that he self-taught himself to play his organ. The talent and knowledge he had was amazing. The most beautiful part of Wilbur was his strong faith, positive daily attitude, and the love for everyone, he was such a joy and fun to be around with a brain full of science, history and knowledge.

Wilbur was dedicated to raising his family in a Christian way. Wilbur’s greatest teaching was “do unto others as you would have them do to you.” He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and PaPa. He was a man of his word, he was the kindest most honest man respected by all. Wilbur was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Wilmington 319 and served as Vice President, 32nd Degree Master Mason.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, corner of Sixth and Market St. Wilmington, NC Saturday, April 27th 2019, at 11:00 am. Food will be served following the service at Keever Hall adjacent to the church.

Wilbur has such a special love for children and has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Wilbur’s memory be given to the St Jude Children Hospital. 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678

A special thank you to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care team for their love, kindness and support.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.

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  • April 24, 2019
    Shelia Hales says:
    I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said except. I feel like I lost more than a uncle because he and Aunt Betsy were second parents to me as far back as I can remember and I loved them both dearly. Brenda l know you'll miss him after seeing him everyday and taking care of his every need. (you must have been very good because he picked you instead of Hospice nurse) so you shouldn't have any regrets. You did a incredible job! My heart goes out to the kids and I'm keeping all of you in my prayers. The tribute was great. I recognized things I had forgot about and the picture of me and him will be my little treasure until I see him again.

  • April 24, 2019
    Joey(JoJo) says:
    Mr. Hales was a great man and example of a man anyone could ever be. I will never forget when Jacob looked at me and said you know JoJo I know exactly who I want to be like when I grow up I said oh yeah son who is that he said my Poppa! I swallowed deep holding my excitement back and told him Jacob I could not think of anyone I would want you to be more like than your Poppa that is big shoes to fill but what a great example. I’m so blessed words can not even explain how lucky I am to have met such a great friend as Mr. Hales I will surely miss sitting in the chairs in front of the garage talking all about mechanics life or what ever else popped up. I will miss u Great Friend Joey

  • April 23, 2019
    Steve Studer says:
    A true friend and neighbor for 30 years. Brenda's video here was wonderful to watch. I will certainly miss you my friend.

  • April 22, 2019
    Michael Stephenson says:
    Ray & Brenda, Sorry to hear about your father passing , Uncle Wilber , which is what I called.your Dad since the first time I met him , he was always a gentleman & pleasure to talk about anything, wasn’t hardly anything he didn’t know something or a lot about it. Uncle Wilber will be missed by anyone that knew him,& all his family very much. I’m glad I got to know Uncle Wilber for the time I did . If the world had more people like Uncle Wilber in it would a much better world to live in. God Bless your family !

  • April 22, 2019
    Diann Wells lit a candle:
    Lit since April 22, 2019 at 4:31:41 AM