Wilbur E. Mack

Wilbur E. Mack, a trustee emeritus of Grace Baptist, a longtime federal government executive, Army veteran of World War II, and devoted family man, died July 30. He was 92. He was born in Greenville, S.C., and even as a war veteran had to endure the pervasive racism of the segregated South. He came to Philadelphia to get away from it in 1947. Wilbur was the fifth and last child born in Greenville, S.C., to James Andrew and the former Nannie Woolridge. He graduated from Sterling High School, where he sang with the glee club. He was drafted into the Army when World War II broke out, and served in the Quartermaster Corps in the European Theater. He married Ella Mae Wilson on May 19, 1951. Wilbur served on the trustee board of Grace Baptist for 45 years. He became chairman under the pastorate of the late Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Sr. He served as president of the senior choir for a time. "He was known for his infectious laugh, great sense of humor, warmth, genuineness, desire to help others and commitment to service," his family told the Philadelphia Tribune. Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Stephen E. Mack; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.