Carnel Ray Wilburn, age 83, of Barbourville, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019 at his home.  He was a son of the late Oscar and Fannie (Cobb) Wilburn, born to them on February 2, 1936 at Fount in Knox County.

He was a well known construction worker, a member, former trustee, and former janitor of the Antioch United Baptist Church. Mr. Wilburn was a well known Knox County fox hunter. He loved to garden and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan.

On August 12, 1967, he united in marriage to Georgia Trent, and to this union four children were born: Jeffery, Keith Ray, Helena and Kim.

Along with parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Ray Wilburn; a grandson, Peyton Tye Ledington; a sister, Debra Jean Wilburn; and his five brothers: Lewis Wilburn, Clarence Lee Wilburn, Creed Wilburn, Charles "Bad Hare" Wilburn and Earl Wilburn; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Basil and Lucy (Abner) Trent; his sisters-in-law: Helen Smith, Wittie Trent, Lena Trent and Jackie Bea Wilburn; and by his brothers-in-law: Emmanel Trent, Vernon L. Trent and Walter Smith, Jr; and by a very special friend, Ronnie "Whitey" Corey.

Carnel Ray is survived by his loving family: his wife of over 51 years, Georgia Trent Wilburn of Barbourville;  his children: Jeffery L. Wilburn and wife, Melissa of Bryants Store,  Keith Ray Wilburn and wife, Jill of Barbourville,  Helena Ledington and husband, Alan of Heidrick, and Kim W. Corry and husband, Ben of London.

Mr. Wilburn also leaves behind his grandchildren: Michael Murphy, Kayla Smith and husband, Larry,  Jacob Wilburn, Zach Dixon, Emma Ledington, Adam Wilburn, Gunner Corry, Penny Corry, Bentley Goldsberry and Camille Corry.  Mr. Wilburn also leaves behind his great grandchildren: Caitlin and Alex; and Shelbi, Sawyer, and Saylor Smith.

Other survivors include Mr. Wilburn's sister, Helen Jennette Hood and husband, Raymond of Woollum;  his sisters-in-law: Geraldine Trent of Salisbury, North Carolina and Norma Trent of Greenroad;  his brothers-in-law: G. C. Trent of Woollum,  Ray Trent of Greenroad, and Basil Trent, Jr. and wife, Georgia of Girdler; and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives, and dear friends to mourn his passing.

Funeral Services for Carnel Ray Wilburn will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. William R. "Mann" Cobb and Rev. Scott Hammons officiating.  Burial will follow in the Blevins Cemetery at Woollum.

Those serving as Pallbearers will be Jacob Wilburn, Zach Dixon, Adam Wilburn, Mike Trent, Eric Trent, E. J. Trent, David Hood, Mark Gibbs, Brandon Gibbs and Barry Rowland.

Those serving as Honorary Female Pallbearers will be  Georgia Ann Trent, Vera Lee Gibbs, Clara Dobbs, Cledia Thomas, Flossie Brock, Gwen Mills and Sherry Hammons.

The family would like to also recognize his special friends, Vernon Rowland, Ted Jackson, Tommy Delph, Gary Ledington, Sanford Abner and Mike Ledford.

Mr. Wilburn's family would like to give special thanks to  Dr. Paul Pedersen,  The Staff of Baptist Health in Barbourville,  Dr. James West,  The Nursing Staff and Aides at Barbourville ARH , The  Staff of Bluegrass Hospice Care,  The Staff of Professional Home Health Care Agency ( Janice Gregory), and Amy Cobb APRN.

The Wilburn family will receive friends at the Hopper Funeral Home after 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, and on Wednesday after 10:00 A.M. and until the funeral hour.

In Lieu of Flowers: Memorial contributions may be made to the: Knox County Gideons, P. O. Box 661, Barbourville, Kentucky 40906 in loving Memory of Carnel Ray Wilburn.

Hopper Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.