Wilburn E. Howard, age 87, of Brundidge, AL, passed away August 21, 2012 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 25, 2012 atBrundidge United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Rev. Michael Lawler officiating, and Dillard Funeral Home of Brundidge directing. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:00 – 2:00 PM.

He was a veteran of the Army Air Force, and served as a B-17 bomber pilot during World War II.  In 1944, he married Myrtle Clements of Blountstown, FL. After graduating from the Southern College of Watchmaking in 1947, he and his father opened Howard Jewelry Company in Brundidge. The jewelry store remained in operation for over 40 years.

Wilburn was an active member in the Brundidge Rotary Club for over 40 years. During this time, he served one term as club President, and was Secretary for 36 years. In 1982, he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

He was a long time and dedicated member in American Legion Post 145 in Brundidge, for over 50 years. He was also an active member of Lodge 184 of the Masonic Lodge, serving as Treasurer from 1963 – 1994. In 2001 he received the 50-year membership pin as a Mason.

Wilburn was a charter member of the Brundidge Rescue Squad, serving in this organization from 1969 – 1994.  He received EMT training at Edge MemorialHospital in Troy and Advanced Training at Lloyd Nolan Hospital in Birmingham, AL.

He served as Director of the Brundidge Chamber of Commerce from 1964 – 1967 and from 1973 – 1976. He also held the position of a Director in the Pike County Chamber of Commerce in 1980.

Wilburn was a longstanding member of the Brundidge United Methodist Church where he served as a member of the Official Board for many years.

He is survived by his two daughters: Mrs. Barbara Ryals (Jacob) of Birmingham, AL and Mrs. Bettie Clark (Tom) of Birmingham, AL.; four grandchildren: Alex Ryals, Kevin Ryals, Sarah Clark, and Nathan Clark; and five great-grandchildren: Abby Ryals, Alyssa Ryals, William Ryals, Miriam Ryals, and Liam Ryals.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Myrtle Clements Howard, parents John and Hattie Patterson Howard, and his sister, Margaret Tatom.

Pallbearers will be members of Brundidge Masonic Lodge 184.

Memorials may be made to the Brundidge United Methodist Church.

To sign the online guest register book please visit our website at www.dillardfh.com