Wilbur E. Mack, 92, longtime federal government executive

MANY PEOPLE praise the Lord with prayer and exhortation; Wilbur Mack did it with his voice.

That powerful bass-baritone reached the roof of the Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, and thrilled the parishioners gathered in their pews for Sunday worship for more than 50 years.

"He loved praising God with his voice," his family said.

Wilbur E. Mack, a trustee emeritus of Grace Baptist, a longtime federal government executive, Army veteran of World War II, and devoted family man, died July 30. He was 92.

He was born in Greenville, S.C., and even as a war veteran had to endure the pervasive racism of the segregated South. He came to Philadelphia to get away from it in 1947.

He found opportunities not available in the South. He also found his spiritual calling, love and marriage, and a fulfilling family life.

Wilbur was employed by the federal government for more than 30 years. He worked for the Signal Corps, which later became the U.S. Army Electronics and Command Center. He advanced through the ranks to become procurement supervisor.

When his installation moved, he transferred to the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster where he continued in his role as procurement supervisor. He retired in 1980.

Wilbur was the fifth and last child born in Greenville, S.C., to James Andrew and the former Nannie Woolridge. He graduated from Sterling High School, where he sang with the glee club.

Wilbur realized he had a voice made for praising the Lord when he joined Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenville. He became a member of the senior choir.

He was drafted into the Army when World War II broke out, and served in the Quartermaster Corps in the European Theater.

Wilbur held a number of jobs after arriving in Philadelphia, and decided to perfect his singing voice by studying at the Ornstein School of Music.

He married Ella Mae Wilson on May 19, 1951.

Wilbur served on the trustee board of Grace Baptist for 45 years. He became chairman under the pastorate of the late Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Sr. He served as president of the senior choir for a time.

At the church, Wilbur was always available for whatever needed doing. For his many years of service, he was honored in 1992 as "Man of the Year" by the Men's Club.

"He was known for his infectious laugh, great sense of humor, warmth, genuineness, desire to help others and commitment to service," his family told the Philadelphia Tribune.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Stephen E. Mack; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services: Were Friday. Burial was in Ivy Hill Cemetery.