Wilbur Gordon Slusser, 91, of Newport News, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 30, 1934, to the late Mark Jennings and Ida Alls Slusser in Montgomery County, VA. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and was also stationed in Germany. Wilbur retired from the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company with 33 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph, Logan and Glennie; and sisters, Inez Epperly, Laura Lou Lafon, Loella Dowdy and Jeannie Pendergrass, nephew, Rondol Rice and Stephen Rice.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia Carole Rice Slusser; his children, Sharon Markham and Wayne Slusser and wife Rebecca; granddaughter Morgan Slusser (Josh); and great-grandchildren, Lillith, Jareth, and Jace; nieces Belinda Looney (David), Phylliss Booth (David); and many other nieces and nephews.
Wilbur was an avid train enthusiast and collector. He loved wristwatches, grandfather clocks, listening to bluegrass music, watching his Baltimore Orioles play, and driving his burgundy Ford truck. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
A private graveside service for close family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.