Herbert Wilbert

Herbert Wilbert was born on June 17, 1936, to Bertha and Joseph Wilbert, as one of twelve children. Raised in the Fairfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, Herbert and his siblings—Christine, Lorenzo, Gloria, Wesley, Marion, Joanne, Sammie, Dianne, Emma Jean, Calvin, and Bert—were affectionately known as "the twelve disciples."

Herbert attended Oakland Elementary, where he joined the school's flag football team. It was here that he met two influential figures, Coach Jimmy Thompson and Earl Kitchings, who made a positive impact on his life and helped shape his character. Herbert continued his education at Matthew W. Gilbert High School, now known as Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School, where he excelled in football, playing the guard position. He made the first-string varsity team as a freshman at the high school, leading his team to a memorable victory over Stanton Senior High School at the Jacksonville Gator Bowl (now Everbank Stadium). 

After graduating from Gilbert High School in 1954, Herbert attended Florida Memorial College (FMC) in St. Augustine, Florida on a football scholarship offered by Coach Nathaniel Washington. As a freshman, he was elected team captain and was part of the 1955 Southeastern Athletic Conference (SEAC) Championship team, defeating Florida A&M University. He graduated from FMC with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health and went on to earn a master’s degree later in life. During his time at Florida Memorial, Herbert was also inducted into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a proud milestone that marked his lifelong commitment to the fraternity’s principles of achievement, service, self-respect, and brotherhood. 

Herbert moved to Orange Park, Florida after he met and married Emily Carpenter Smith (divorced, deceased). Herbert and Emily were blessed with two children, Jacquelyn and Herbert Jr.; Herbert Jr. sadly passed away at birth. Herbert also played a pivotal role in the lives of Emily’s daughters Beverly and Debra. While in Orange Park, Herbert also served as a member of Masonic Park Lodge #90 AF & AM. 

Although he initially worked in construction, his heart was always in sports. Herbert served as a softball and baseball umpire, football referee, and took on his first coaching position with the Orange Park Athletic Association (OPAA). His success with OPAA eventually led to a coaching position at Orange Park High School (OPHS). During his time at Orange Park High School, Herbert formed special lifetime bonds with fellow coaches and school administrators including Terry Knowles, Ken Taylor, Sam Ward, Danny Finley and many others. 

In the early 1970s, Coach Wilbert was celebrated for his leadership during the 1973-74 season, earning recognition in the book, Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans published by the American Biographical Institute. 

Unknown to many, Coach Wilbert was also an accomplished swimmer and held a water safety license. He displayed true courage when he rescued two men after their boat capsized. The Red Cross National Aquatic School in Ocala, FL awarded him with the Robert G. Zubrod Award for his heroic actions.

Coach Wilbert later remarried and was preceded in death by his wife Mercedes. Much later in life, Herbert and longtime partner Karen Budgett (deceased) raised and nurtured five children together, including their daughter Hermeeker, along with Karen’s children Jerald, Anthony (TJ), Litisha, and Daryl.

Throughout his life, Coach Wilbert dedicated himself to serving the youth of Orange Park, mentoring countless students who thrived on and off the field. Known for his passionate coaching, he received numerous accolades, including trophies, plaques, and certificates. Led by Ronnie Flowers, in 2005, the Town of Orange Park expanded the T.C. Miller Community Center by adding an adjoining park, naming it the Herbert Wilbert and R.L. Hunter Park, in honor of Coach Wilbert’s contributions and dedication to youth sports in the Orange Park Community. 

As an educator and the first Black football coach at Orange Park High, he faced and overcame racial challenges, advocating for equality and human rights, opening doors for future generations. In 2003, Coach Wilbert was inducted into the Orange Park "Raiders" Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to football, basketball, weightlifting, and track and field. 

16 years later, in 2019, Coach Wilbert was presented with a plaque and inducted in the African American Coaches Hall of Fame by the African American Coaches, Games Officials and Athletic Association, Inc. in appreciation of his dedicated service as a coach for the Jacksonville Community and surrounding areas.

In 2022, former football stars from Orange Park High School and coaches for the OPAA, led by the driving force of the Edward & Annie Lee Keyes Foundation for Life, presented Coach Wilbert with the Pioneer Award as the first African-American football coach in the Town of Orange Park after integration. The honor was awarded in grateful appreciation for Coach Wilbert’s “outstanding determination, bravery, grit, knowledge, and dedicated service” to the people in his community.  

Also honored by the Clay County School Board and Town of Orange Park, Coach Wilbert’s nearly 50 years of service leaves an enduring legacy of excellence, resilience, and commitment to youth and equality.

We were blessed to have had Herbert for 88 years as he courageously battled many health and medical issues. 

Herbert is survived by his daughters, Jacquelyn W. Dupree and Hermeeker Wilbert; bonus daughters, Beverly (Robert) Gibbs, Debra (Jarrett) Masline, and Litisha Taylor; bonus son, Daryl Taylor; chosen son, Sherman Smith; granddaughters LaToya, Lashaunda, and Lameitra; grandson Dayvon Jr.; bonus grandchildren, Shawn, Angela, Monica, and Daryl Jr.; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Brayden, and Layla; siblings Christine Hannon, Dianne Thomas, and Bertram Wilbert. He also leaves a host of bonus great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, football family and other loving relatives and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, November 16, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL  32073, (904) 264-1233.

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