Robert E. Bilbrey

Robert E. Bilbrey age 75 of Maryville, passed away June 6, 2006 at Blount Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. A native of Putnam County, he was a graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, and received a Masters Degree from the University of Tennessee. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Maryville, where he was active in the church music ministry, a past chairman of deacons, and served as building committee chair for the church's Family Life Center. Mr. Bilbrey served over 41 years as a music educator, including 28 years as Director of Bands at Maryville High School. He often spoke proudly of his students and the MHS band program, including memorable performances of the band in Mexico City, Rome, London, and Honolulu, as well as many other sites inside the continental United States. Mr. Bilbrey also spent 38.6 years serving his country in the United States Army National Guard and Reserve, having achieved the rank of Colonel at the time of his retirement. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Bohanan Bilbrey; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Judi Bilbrey of Centerville, OH; daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Ron Shope of Raleigh, NC; brother and sister-in-law Leonard and Betty Bilbrey of Jamestown, TN; sister and brother-in-law Florene and John Mathis of Hoover, AL, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 8, 2006 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Maryville, with funeral services to follow at 8:00 PM with Rev. Charles Ballard officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 9 at Grandview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ken Jarnigan, Tom Delozier, Ken Hawkins, George Hayden, Bill Robinson, and Mark Connell, all former students and/or colleagues in the music program of the Maryville City Schools. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center Building Fund, 202 W Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37801. Smith Mortuary, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert E. Bilbrey please visit our Sympathy Store.