Wilbur Lee Persinger, 71, of 619 North Augusta Avenue, Covington, Virginia, died Friday night, October 15, 2010, in the Lewis-Gale Medical Center at Salem.

Mr. Persinger was born October 25, 1938, in Covington a son of the late Charles H. and Nellie Smith Persinger.

He had retired in 2003 from the Beateroom at MeadWestvaco after 43 years with the company. He was a member of Covington Lodge #610 Loyal Order of the Moose, the Sunrise Hunt Club and the National Rifle Association.

Wilbur served his country in the U. S. Navy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Charles Persinger, Jr., Albert Persinger, Doug Persinger and Earl Persinger.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Sandy Unroe Persinger, of Covington; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Patrick Markham of Covington; his grandson, who was the joy of his life, Ryan Patrick Markham, of Covington; two sisters, Edith Lacks of Covington and Marie Ross of Moneta; several nieces and nephews; two aunts, Carmen Smith and Patty Thompson; his mother-in-law, Alice Lair; two brothers-in-law, Eddie Unroe and Glen Unroe and his best friend, Wayne Sampson.

In accordance with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia.