Mr. Wilbert Ransburg, also known as “TC,” passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the age of 63.  He was born on July 15, 1961, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Eva Mae Durkins and Wilbert Lanier.

From a young age, TC was known for his kindness, charm, and selflessness. He was a gentle giant who always put others first and would do anything to help those around him.  Although quiet, he knew how to be extremely direct with his opinion or advice.  His passion for sports blossomed early in life, and he excelled at basketball, ultimately becoming his legacy in Delaware.

TC loved spending time with family and friends,  but what he enjoyed most was spending quality time with his beloved wife, Crystal.  His smooth, cool, calm, and charming demeanor was always fitting for them to have a great time; whether it was staying home to watch movies, stepping out to celebrate someone else, or just a date night on the town;  they loved being in each others presence.  The two were perfect for each other.

TC attended Wilmington and Newark high schools, and although he played an integral part on the 1978 Wilmington High School State Championship basketball team, it was at Newark that he made his explosive debut to be recognized as a STAR basketball player in the state of Delaware.  He was known for his ambidextrous abilities, which caught his opponents off guard and, in one instance, left one of his teammates with a broken ankle during practice.  TC had several basketball accomplishments throughout his career, including being named 1st-Team All-State and All-Conference; Delaware player of the year; being selected to Who’s Who magazine; led the Flight A-Conference in scoring; was the Leading Scorer in DE; played in The Blue and Gold in 1979, as well as the Philadelphia vs. Delaware All-Star Games, where he scored 30 points and was crowned game MVP.  

After graduation, TC continued his basketball career at Middle Georgia College from 1979-1980, leading the team in Assists, averaging 13 points a game, and becoming a regular spotlight in Georgia Newspapers. In 2017, TC was inducted into the Delaware Legends Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2019, he was inducted into the Delaware African-American Sports Hall of Fame.  His legacy on the court will be remembered for years to come. 

Although TC had many outstanding accomplishments in basketball, perhaps his most significant was the mentorship he provided his baby brother Barry, who followed in his basketball footsteps and even adopted TC’s jersey number, 14 as a sign of admiration and desire to be a Delaware great just as his big brother had been.

Wilbert is preceded in death by his father, Wilbert Lanier, brother James, and Sisters, Dorothy, and Christine.  He leaves to cherish his wife, Crystal Ransburg, step-children, Maurice (Marybeth) and Latasha.  His mother Eva Mae Durkins, brother Barry (Mia); nieces: Arica (Dayne), Roshaunda, Lashawn’te “Shawni,” Reneicka” Nina,” Brandy, Blair, April, Shayla, Nicky, and Paula; nephews, James “J,” Nehamiah, Elisha, and a host of great nieces and newphews.  TC will be dearly missed beyond words, but his spirit and influence will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him; may he rest forever in peace.