Wilbur Culpepper Rumph

MARSHALLVILLE, GA. - Wilbur Culpepper Rumph, Sr., 86, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2015. His life was identified by that of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the family celebrates in the fulfillment of God's promises for him and rejoices in the company of Saints he now stands. Wilbur was born on January 7, 1929 in the family home he lived his entire life. He was the fourth of six generations who recognized the family residence in Marshallville as "home." He was the youngest of three brothers. Wilbur attended school in Montezuma where his mother, Mrs. Etta Steed Rumph, was a longtime school teacher. He was a graduate of Georgia Military Institute and was a 1951 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Wilbur enjoyed a 52 year career alongside the sons of A.L. Luce, Sr., the founder of Blue Bird Body Company. At Blue Bird, Wilbur served as Vice President of Engineering and as Vice President of Research & Development Engineering, positions influential in the growth of the company, the worldwide leader in school bus transit. During his professional career, he authored one U.S. Patent involving school bus door safety, served on a number of national committees in the school bus industry, and was a member of the Georgia Tech Presidential Scholarship Committee. After retirement he was actively involved in the American Camellia Society. Wilbur was a lifelong member of the Marshallville United Methodist Church, where he served in various leadership roles and taught Sunday School for much of his adult life. A devoted husband, father, and community leader, he is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Mrs. Mary Juliet Lindley Rumph, their four sons: Samuel C. Rumph, III and wife Donna of Macon; Wilbur C. Rumph, Jr. and wife Shana of Perry; Malcolm J. Rumph of Pensacola, FL; and Lewis A. Rumph, III of Macon; and six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Mr. Samuel C. Rumph, Sr., mother Mrs. Etta Steed Rumph, and brothers, Samuel C. Rumph, Jr. and Lewis A. Rumph, II. Visitation will be held at the Rumph family home in Marshallville, on Thursday afternoon, October 15, 2015 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Marshallville United Methodist Church in Marshallville, on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., graveside to follow behind the church immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to a ministry or charity of interest. Several that Wilbur and Mary supported for years include, the Methodist Children's Home in Macon, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Shriner's Hospital, Smile Train, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Watson Hunt Funeral Home in Perry, GA is in charge of the arrangements.

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Wilbur Culpepper Rumph

January 7, 1929 - October 9, 2015