Donald William Wilburn

Donald William Wilburn, 85, of Stallings, NC, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville, NC. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Don now begins a new chapter in life. He has not gone, but simply gone ahead.

Surviving Don is his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Billings Wilburn; daughters, Terri Donna Wilburn, Sharon Wilburn Faassen (Charly); sister, Tammy Wilburn Warr (Jimmy); grandsons, Warren Faassen (Jamil), Cooper Faassen (Melissa), Charles Faassen (Bridget); and great-grandchildren Charlotte, Camryn, Reagan and Cayden.

Don was born on May 14, 1939, in Union, South Carolina. He was a visionary entrepreneur who founded three successful businesses. Don opened Wilburn Auto Body Shop in 1975 and later brought his passion for adventure to life by opening Carolina Adventure World in 2007. He dedicated his life to building with vision and unwavering perseverance and was deeply committed to personal growth constantly studying, learning, and striving to improve. Don served as an inspiration to many, always eager to sit and talk, sharing wisdom about life, forgiveness, and love. Spending time with his grandsons and great-grandchildren brought him immense joy. He deeply loved his family and carried a gentle kindness for everyone he met. Don embraced each day with humor, resilience, and a steadfast heart. He valued his friends greatly and found great fulfillment and joy in his most recent projects in the mountains of Weaverville, North Carolina.

A celebration of life will be held May 17, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Emerald Lake Golf Club, 9750 Tournament Dr. Matthews, NC 28104. A time of reflection & remembrance will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Following, we invite you for light appetizers and conversation.

May the love, strength, and legacy of Don always live on in our hearts.

In Lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity or donate a tree in his memory.

Courtesy of Holcombe Funeral Home