Wilbert Z McBride, PHD, also known as “Mac,” was born on Oct 15th, 1929, in Statesboro, GA to the late John McBride and Willie Mae McBride. He departed this earthly life on March 12, 2026. Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, sister, four brothers, and his wife, Mrs. Betty Jean McBride.
From an early age Wilbert had a love and talent for art and was educated at the Statesboro High and Industrial School before enlisting in the US Army where he dutifully served his country as a Military Policeman earning The World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medals.
After honorably completing his military service, Wilbert relocated to Washington DC to pursue an education. He enrolled at Howard University where he obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree. While in Washington he continued to perfect his artistic talents by enrolling at Letcher Art School. He later earned a PHD from Catholic University.
Naturally blessed with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Wilbert established Pro Sports and Trophies near his alma mater of Howard University becoming one of the youngest African American businessowners in the Washington DC area in the early 1960s. Upon relocating to Atlanta in the late 1980s, Wilbert established McBride’s Trophies, Plaques, and Sporting Goods where he worked very closely with Atlanta Public Schools and The Atlanta University Center. After retiring in the early 2000s, Wilbert entered the Flea Market business, which he truly loved and continued until his illness.
Wilbert had a strong interest in community affairs and politics ultimately helping to elect Walter E. Washington, D.C.’s first elected mayor in 1979. Wilbert was also very active in community service organizations and loved to actively give back to his community. He was a Prince Hall Mason and a Shriner and was also the founder of the West End Kiwanis Club in Atlanta, GA.
Wilbert was a natural extrovert and loved to entertain. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family. He was also known for his love of western attire and movies. His hat and oversized belt buckle became his trademark earning him the nickname, “Cowboy.” He joined in holy matrimony with the former Betty Jean Draper in 1974. To this union Zanzillus McBride Jr was born.
Wilbert leaves to cherish precious memories two sons; Mr. Zanzillus McBride Jr. (Santiba) and Mr. Derrick McBride; five grandchildren, Zoey McBride, Zanzillus McBride III, Derrick McBride Jr, Antonio McBride, and Moneisha McBride; a brother, James McBride; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Prelude……………..……………………………………………………………………...…. Soft Music
Processional………………………………...…………….....Clergy, Family & Friends
Musical Selection………………………………………………...………..Rodney Hawley
Scripture Reading…………………………………...………Bishop Sedrick Hamner
Old Testament
New Testament
Prayer of Comfort……………………………………………Bishop Sedrick Hamner
Tributes……………………………………………………..Zoey McBride, Granddaughter
Zanzillus McBride III, Grandson
Reflections(2 Minutes Please)………………..……………...Ken Gibson, Friend Family and Friends
Musical Selection………………………………………………...………..Rodney Hawley
Eulogy…………………………………………………………….…Bishop Sedrick Hamner
Recessional
Postlude
Greenwood Cemetery 1173 Cascade Circle SW Atlanta, Georgia 30311
Sa’Simone Event Center 1224 Constitution Road SE Atlanta, Georgia 30316
Sherwin Brown
Tellies Harris
Donald Brinson
Derrick McBride
James Reid
Ken Gibson
Daveta Harrell
Stacy Fleming
Pamela Nesmith
When it seemed that our loss was too great to bear, we looked up and our friends were there, perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair, perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day, Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much, whatever the part.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home
Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30310
404-758-1731
www.williewatkins.com