Samuel Arthur Wilbourn Jr.

December 31, 1940 - February 17, 2021

Samuel Arthur Wilbourn, Jr., 80, of Memphis, TN, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Sam was born on December 31, 1940, to Samuel and Ruth Wilbourn in Grenada, Mississippi. He spent the first part of his life in Grenada and moved to Memphis in the mid 1990s where he spent the remainder of his life. Sam loved to work and dreamed big dreams. During his life he held several occupations, including a concrete and lumber salesman, building contractor, community developer, restaurant owner and chef, as well as Produce Manager and Co-Manager at Kroger, where he worked for 19 years. As a contractor and developer, he constructed neighborhoods, office buildings, and post offices. At one of his properties just outside of Grenada, he created a neighborhood and one of the streets was named after him: “Wilbourn Road.” Sam was a conservative man who loved Jesus, his family, and his country. He was a people person—he loved serving and loving on others. Sam had an infectious smile that said “You are loved”. If anyone asked how he was doing, his answer would always be “Excellent”. Everywhere he went people were drawn to him and his happy outlook on life. His love of life was contagious. He met his wife Gwen at Kroger, when he offered to help her pick out squash. Sam was a devoted husband to Gwen. Together they enjoyed ballroom dancing, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Together they created a large backyard garden with a wood swing for their enjoyment. Sam also enjoyed helping Gwen with her Kindergarten class at Shady Grove Elementary. Sam was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and the Promise Life Group, where he was involved in the Bellevue Baptist ministry: Bellevue Loves Memphis Workdays, which involved members sharing the love of Christ through partnering with schools, ministries, first responders, and communities in Memphis. He also assisted his daughter, Bethany, and her ministry with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. Sam loved all kinds of food and he enjoyed cooking special foods for his family and friends. He was co-owner and chef of the Lunch Bunch in Grenada. He developed the best hush puppy and coleslaw recipes anyone had ever tasted. People came from near and far just for the catfish box meal and the best sweet tea in the south. In Memphis, he cooked for his friends in the Life Group and when he could not cook any longer, the ladies in the Life Group kept him well supplied with great food. Sam delighted in all types of music. His favorite songs were about loving and worshiping Jesus which were performed by the Bellevue Baptist Choir, Daniel Crews, and many other artists. His favorite artist was his daughter, Olivia Malone. He listened to her sing all her life and he was so proud of her when she became a professional vocalist. Sam is survived by his wife, Mary Gwen Guthrie Wilbourn, of the home; his two daughters, Bethany Wright and Olivia Malone, both of Olathe, KS; his younger brothers Paul Hill Wilbourn, and his wife Gloria, and David Wilbourn, both of Grenada, MS; five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Sam is proceeded in death by his sister, Lois Brassfield. Sam’s family visitation will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the 5 p.m. visitation, open to the public, will be followed by the funeral service at 6 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2021, at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, Riverside Chapel, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, (901) 562-0620, https://www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com Sam will be buried on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 9:00am in the Sunny Slope area of Memorial Park Cemetery. The family would like to suggest three ways to honor Sam. While flowers are welcome, the family asks that you consider sending a donation to the Sam Wilbourn Memorial Fund c/o Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery or send a donation to Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Rd, Cordova, TN 38016. To view his service online. Please click the link below to view. http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/48772 To view the tribute slideshow, please click the link below: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/M7M3Y4XGKY9PKF66