After high school, Wilbert enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the army for over 30 years earning numerous decorations and awards and earned the highest enlisted rank E-9, Command Sergeant Major (CSM).

Prior to retiring from the army, Wilbert earned a bachelor’s arts degree in interdisciplinary studies from Columbia College. He also subsequently earned bachelors and master’s degrees in divinity from Morris College. After his retirement from the army, he obtained a position as the first Chaplin at Lee Correction Institution in Bishopville South Carolina, where he ultimately became Senior Chaplin at the facility. In addition to his Chaplain responsibilities, he instituted the Hospice program and Operation “Behind Bars” to help people once incarcerated transition more easily into a productive life.

He volunteered in many capacities in the community such as tutoring and mentoring students. He served as Pastor of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church (MBC) in Even Green South Carolina, then Saint Mark Baptist Church in Bishopville area prior to establishing Mount Calvary MBC where he served until he passed January 7, 2009. He was married to the former Hattie Parmley for 40 years prior to his passing. There were three children and six grandchildren. “Rest in peace Rev. Wilks and may God forever watch over you”