August 8, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (9/08/15) The Office of Administration and Finance at East Texas Baptist University held a retirement reception for Director of Physical Facilities Eric Wilburn. Faculty, staff, family, and friends gathered Friday afternoon, Aug. 28, in the Phillips Great Room of the Bennett Student Commons to honor his 27 years of loyal and faithful service to ETBU.
Wilburn, an Oklahoma native, came to East Texas after accepting an invitation to become the bi-vocational pastor of DeBerry Baptist Church. In 1987, a family friend encouraged him to seek out employment with ETBU and was hired to work in the grounds department. During his long tenure of service at ETBU, Wilburn has served in the capacity as a Supervisor, Facilities Manager, and for the last 18 years, as Director of Physical Facilities.
I have been blessed to be a part of the ETBU family since January 1988, Wilburn said to the large gathering of well-wishers. I am retiring from a place that has meant so much, in my life. This has never been a job for me. This has been a calling upon my life.
Two members of the Physical Facilities Department were part of the program. Both Garry Ormes and Donald Ravenell spoke about the admiration they had for Wilburn as their director. The two also thanked him publicly for making a difference in their lives by his Christian witness.
Before presenting a plaque to Wilburn, ETBU Vice President for Administration and Finance Ned Calvert shared, ?There have been a lot of long days, overnights, storms, and power outages, you and I have been through. I want to thank you for your service, friendship, and for all that you mean to ETBU. I don?t know of anybody who has been more dedicated or loyal to this university, than you have.
Wilburn, who is in his second tenure of service as pastor of DeBerry Baptist Church, plans to spend his retirement years giving more of his time to his family and to shepherding the members of DBC, located in northeast Panola County. He also wants to grow the ministry that places Bible in the hands of oil field workers.
I am thankful to have served alongside some incredible, wonderful servants of the Lord, said Wilburn. I am extremely grateful for all the blessings that have been poured upon Sonja and me by being a part of this institution, you are my family and you will still be my family.
In closing, ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn remarked, From my first days on the campus you have supported and encouraged me. Thank you for teaching me about our physical facilities. Over your 27 years of faithful service, you have been instrumental in building the beautiful campus we enjoy today.
The reception concluded with Dr. Blackburn asking the men of the Physical Facilities Department to join him in praying over Wilburn.