It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Richard Snow Wilbur Jr., a distinguished builder and beloved father, grandfather and mentor for many. He left this world peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 71.

Richard was a master builder in West Virginia, renowned for constructing some of the finest homes and renovating landmark commercial buildings in Charleston and throughout the Kanawha Valley. His expertise and craftsmanship earned him a legendary status during his building career, with many seeking his unparalleled skills to build their dream homes and renovate iconic downtown structures. He was his clients’ builder; their electrician; their plumber; their roofer; their everything in the building trades. He served all his clients equally and always stood by his work- a rare trait in the building trades. Through his work over 5 decades in the greater Charleston area, he provided hundreds of jobs, making a significant impact on the community and improving the lives of his employees.

He cherished spending time at Summersville Lake, WV, where he enjoyed the community he built. He devoted many hours to camping, making fires in the firepit, and boating with his family and friends.

In his later years, Richard found immense joy and purpose in caring for his two cherished granddaughters, who he lovingly referred to as his angels. Their presence in his life gave him motivation and happiness, as he watched them grow and thrive under his care.

Richard was an extraordinary individual, known for his selflessness and dedication to others. He always put others before himself, taking the time to listen and care deeply for everyone around him. His compassion and generosity touched the lives of many.

Richard’s legacy will live on through the beautiful homes and commercial buildings he renovated, the people he helped, and the love he shared with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Snow Wilbur and Mary Wilbur. He is survived by his sons: Richard Snow Wilbur III (Melissa), Bradford Allen Wilbur, Benjamin Michael Wilbur, and Joseph Ryan Wilbur. Richard also leaves behind 13 grandkids and his sister, Betsy Capito (William) and family.

The family invites all who knew Richard to join them in celebrating his remarkable life at a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at South Charleston 1^st Church of the Nazarene, 4923 Kentucky Street, South Charleston, WV 25303 – his house of worship in his later years. Friends and family may visit 1 hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Saint Mary’s Medical Center Foundation, https://mhnfoundations.org/our-foundations/st-marys-medical-center-foundation/,  in honor of Richard’s dedication to helping others.

Rest in peace, Richard. Your legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, and love will forever be remembered.

Memories of Richard may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.