Virgil "Gene" E. Bilbrey

Gene Bilbrey, 89, of Williamsville MO, went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, MO, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Williamsville, MO, on May 10, 1932, to Hattie (Wells) Bilbrey and Walter Bilbrey.

Gene was united in marriage to Betty (Eaton) Bilbrey on August 29, 1949, in Hot Springs, AR, and she survives of the home. To this seventy-two-year union, one child was born, Elaine Steward and husband Larry of Williamsville. Other survivors include three granddaughters; Tonya Miller and husband Brad of Piedmont, Amber Griggs and husband Brent of Piedmont, and Melissa Woods and husband Andy of Farmington; eight great-grandchildren: Grant, McKenzie, and Connor Miller, Preston and Kendra Griggs, Taylor, Kylie, and Jentry Woods; stepsister: Leona Osborne of Georgia and stepbrother: John Osborne of Florida; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, stepmother: Eula Osborn Bilbrey; one brother: Willard Bilbrey; four sisters: Marie Miller, Alta Dawson, Maxine Morgan, and Kathleen Mosier; stepsisters: Roberta Jacklin and Jane Becker.

Gene worked with Southwestern Bell Telephone company for thirty-one years. His work led him, Betty, and Elaine, to travel and reside over many of the Midwest states. Upon retirement, he and Betty returned to Williamsville to reside. He quickly got involved in many civic and community organizations. Among those include serving until his passing as city alderman for over thirty-five years, a longtime and very active member of the Williamsville Lions Club, chair of the Williamsville Labor Day Picnic for thirty-five years, and president of the Duncan Cemetery Board. Past volunteer organizations include Wayne County Nutrition Center and serving as the representative of the Southeast Area Agency on Aging Board for several years, Commissioner of the Williamsville Ozark Foothills ball league for many years, and the Senior Citizen Housing Project Board. He was recognized for his many years of volunteer work by Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder.

Gene was a longtime active attendee of the Williamsville United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Gene was an avid fisherman for many years and enjoyed making fishing lures for friends. Throughout his retirement he spent countless hours on the ball field preparing the field and coaching his granddaughters to make lifetime memories and friendships. His notable success led the Greenville School Board to name the ball field in his honor. In later years, Gene loved to watch his great grandkids play sports and was a loyal supporter of the Lady Bears and Bears ball clubs. He enjoyed gardening and loved sharing his tomatoes with his family and neighbors. He loved Christmas time and decorations and enjoyed making lighted crafts and sharing them with the community. Above all, he enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his loved ones.

Gene was loved and respected by family, friends, and the community and he will be deeply missed.

Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Monday, January 3, 2022, in the Williamsville Community Center (Gym), Williamsville. Funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 4, 2022, also in the Williamsville Community Center. Pastor Ron Moiser and Pastor Nelma Williams ministered to the family. Larry Steward, Brad Miller, Grant Miller, Connor Miller, Brent Griggs, and Andy Woods served as pallbearers. Burial was in Duncan Cemetery. Pastor Ron Moiser and Pastor Nelma Williams ministered to the family. Larry Steward, Brad Miller, Grant Miller, Connor Miller, Brent Griggs, and Andy Woods served as pallbearers. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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