Willie “Bill” Bruce Whitfield, 90, of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, following a long illness.

He was born on September 18, 1936, in Duplin County, NC, to the L.H. Whitfield and the late Carrie Mae (Stroud) Whitfield.

Bill, a US Army Veteran, attended Bridge of Life Church. He was a talented man who could fix and repair anything. Bill and his wife Shelby even built their own shop together. He retired as the Chief Engineer for Fox’s Holsum Bakery in Wilmington. Bill will be deeply missed by his family and all that knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Shelby Barnhill Whitfield; his sons, Bruce Whitfield and wife, Pam, Darrell Whitfield and wife, Amanda; his brother, Andy Whitfield; his sister, Frances Herche; his 3 grandchildren; and his 5 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Whitfield; 2 of his brothers; and 5 of his sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation.

His funeral service will be at 2 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington with Rev. Jerome Bullard officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington with the US Army performing military honors.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Guest Book below.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171