He was born May 12, 1925, in Morgan County, a son of the late Jessie Adkins and Virgie Adkins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maude M. Caudill Adkins, who passed away July 9, 2009, and a daughter, Connie Louise Adkins Griggs, on June 17, 2013.

Wilburn is survived by two sons, Kenneth Ray Adkins and his wife Mable of Morehead and James Ronnie Adkins and his wife Mary of Clearfield; four grandchildren, Kim Taylor, Anthony Adkins, Phillip Adkins, and David Adkins; and 11 great grandchildren.

From 1942-1945, Wilburn served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Aboard the USS Houston (CL-31), he was an anti-aircraft gunner and participated in numerous campaigns, bombardments, and strikes in the South Pacific. During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, he spent several days in the sea after the ship was sunk. A lifelong patriot, he was a member of the DAV and Amvets. Wilburn and Maude owned and operated Adkins T.V. Service in Morehead for 42 years and enjoyed their flowers and gardening. He was a member of Elliottville Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2014, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Willie Sturgill and Rev. Clarke Thomas officiating. Entombment will follow in the family mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post 126.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Adkins, Christopher Adkins, Chad Taylor, David Adkins, Phillip Adkins, Conner Barker, Jacob Taylor, and Sebastian Taylor.

Visitation is after 5 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.