Wilbur Clyde Gahagan, departed from this life on Tuesday, May 4, 2026. Wilbur was born October 13, 1948, in Washington, D.C., to the late Clyde Wesley Gahagan and Marjorie Jones-Gahagan.

As a young child, he attended Long Branch Baptist Church, where he became a member and joined the church choir. During his high school years, he attended Union High School. He was very involved in sports and was a member of the basketball and football teams. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the US Army and became a Paratrooper. Wilbur worked as a Food Service Specialist during his time in the military. He received the following medals during his time in service: National Service, Defense, Good Conduct, and a Paratrooper Badge. He separated from the military as a Sergeant (E-5). Wilbur was also a Past Master with the Prince Hall Masons, rising to the level of 32nd Degree, he was also a member of the Shrine.

He honed his skills and later became an Executive Chef. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Doris Gahagan on August 27, 1988 and to this union one daughter was born. Wilbur was successful in opening several restaurants in the D.C. and Virginia area during his career. Wilbur loved cooking for his entire family and friends and loved being addressed as "Chef Gahagan."

Wilbur was preceded in death by his son, Micheal Lee Gahagan; his mother and father; his sister, Yvonne Gahagan and Henrietta Gahagan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Doris Jean Gahagan, and daughters, Winter Dockery (Daniel I) and Doretta "Peaches" Gahagan-Lester. Stepchildren: Greer Johnson, Randy Johnson, and Shirl Rose (Bernard). Grandchildren: Messiah Allen, Journey Alston-Dockery, Grace Dockery, Mercy Dockery, (Daniel Dockery II) Uriyah Dockery, Kaytrell O'Bryant, Dexter O'Bryant, Jr., Shyniece Rose, Willie "BJ" Rose, & Brandon Rose, Sr. (Abriana). Great- grands: Heavayah Payton-Rose, Jaeden Payton-Rose, Mia Turley-Rose, Brandon Rose, Jr., and Noelle Rose. Two siblings, James Gahagan, and Marshall Gahagan (Julia). He leaves to cherish the Matriarch of the family, Aunt Elizabeth Jones-Young and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family, and Friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Long Branch Baptist Church, 14297 Long Branch Rd, Woodford, Virginia, 22580, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.