Wilbur Wesley Bunce

Wilbur Wesley Bunce, 80, of Troutman, NC. died January 28, 2022.  Wilbur was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC.   Wilbur was preceded in death by his proud parents, Wesley B. and Ophelia Culbreth Bunce.  Wilbur graduated from Seventy-First High School and continued his studies at Western Carolina and UNC-Pembroke. Wilbur married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Faye Register.  Wilbur and Faye were married for fifty-five years until Faye’s death in November 2016. Wilbur and Faye are survived by their two sons, Mark A and James W Bunce, both residents of Troutman, North Carolina.

At an early age Wilbur expressed his love for automobiles.  His first place of employment was at Earl Hubbard’s Garage in Fayetteville, NC.  In 1970, Wilbur and his family moved to Southern California.  He started his company, Wilbur Bunce Racing/ Wilbur Bunce Engineering, where he spent many years building Formula Atlantic Race Cars, Sports Cars and NASCAR.  He also managed several successful racing teams.

In 1999, Wilbur and family decided to return to North Carolina.  Wilbur continued to work in racing until 2005.  After retiring from his successful racing career, he began working at Lowe’s Home Improvement of Troutman, NC.  He continued his employment at Lowe’s until his death.

Wilbur was the oldest of seven children.  He is survived by his six siblings, Brenda (Albert) Cordova, of Monument, CO, Agnes Harris of Raeford, NC, Ellen Haynes of Starkville, MS, Margaret (Marvin) Brickhouse of Creswell, NC, Wiley (Anne) Bunce of Whispering Pines, NC and Annette Bunce of Fayetteville, NC.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at Troutman Funeral Home on Friday, February 4th at 2:00 PM (345 N Main Street, Troutman, NC 28166). Online condolences can be made to the family www.troutmanfuneralhome.com