Peco Foods last week announced on April 7 that Bobby Wilburn passed away at age 66. Wilburn, a 38-year veteran of Peco, took a leave of absence earlier this year as the Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing – Commodity to focus on his health.
“There will never be another Bobby Wilburn. He lived out Peco’s core values every day with a commitment to do the right thing and build lasting relationships with people,” said President and CEO Mark Hickman. “The Peco family extends our deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and every life he touched. His impact in the poultry industry and his community will certainly not be forgotten.”
“Bobby was one-of-a-kind,” said NCC’s Tom Super. “He was an active and engaged member of NCC’s Marketing Committee for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bobby’s family and the Peco family. He will be greatly missed.”
Bobby spent most of his career with Peco, joining the Sales division in 1985 following roles at Sanderson Farms and Spring Valley Farms. During his tenure, he helped Peco grow from a single plant in Tuscaloosa to 23 plants, feed mills, hatcheries and live operations facilities. His efforts led the company through significant shifts, helping to build it into the seventh largest poultry producer in the United States through diversifying from a commodity-based model into value-added company with marquee national restaurant and retail customers. He developed Peco’s marketing division and oversaw the shift from smaller, fast-food specific birds to one of the industry’s leading jumbo bird programs.
Outside of the office, Bobby contributed to the industry and community as a member of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council’s board of directors, National Chicken Council’s Marketing Committee and served on the board of the West Alabama Food Bank.
More information can be found on the funeral home’s memorial website.
