Bob Lee Bilbrey

Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Bob Lee Bilbrey, age 79 of Cookeville, will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Reverend Myron Greer will officiate. Interment will follow in Stone Seminary Cemetery.

His family will receive friends Sunday evening 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and again Monday from 10 am until service time at the funeral home.

Mr. Bilbrey was promoted to his heavenly home on Thursday October 19, 2023 at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro.

He was born August 30, 1944 in White County, TN to the late Kenneth and Dimple England Bilbrey. Bob was a proud graduate of the Cookeville Central High School Class of 1962. After graduating he set out to fulfill his love and passion for trucks and old tractors. Starting his journey working for Potter Freight Lines until it closed, and then he joined his brother Carl in forming what is now Bilbrey Brothers Livestock. Together, they sold and transported livestock all over the Midwest. He was heavily involved in his community serving on the board of director’s Putnam County Farm Bureau, Putnam County Soil Conservation District, and also Putnam County Livestock Association

Bob was best known for his strong work ethic, his interesting personality, and his friendly demeanor, which allowed him to create close relationships with people especially his coworkers who were like family to him. He worked tirelessly until the spring of 2023 when his health began to decline.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Bob had a deep-rooted passion for music. He was a gifted musician, and loved old time bluegrass and gospel music.

Bob was also an avid collector. His collections of antique tractors, toys, and guns were a testament to his attention to detail and his appreciation for history. He enjoyed traveling to antique tractor shows and to farm equipment shows.

One of Bob's favorite expressions was "Let's go to the barn," a testament to his love for the land and his dedication to his farming roots. Despite his various hobbies and interests, his work on the farm was his true love, and he committed himself wholeheartedly to his work making sure all the equipment was safely stored in it’s proper place.

Bob is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Ann Bilbrey, his very special longtime friend, Gwendolyn Ray, and his extended family, who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Bob." He also leaves behind a multitude of friends and coworkers who were like family to him, and also his furry friend ( Rowdy) .

Bob's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on through the stories shared and the lessons learned from his unwavering dedication to his family, his work, and his community of friends. He loved the Lord and was affiliated with New Beginning Assembly of God.

Gunner Bussell, Jason Trisdale, Antonio Garcia, Scott Kelley, Adam Dodson, James Robbins, and Kenneth Whiteaker will serve as pallbearers. John Pearson, Jamie Stiles, Daniel Ray, Nathan Pearson, Spencer Stiles, Ronald Maynard, Ronald Maynard, Jr., Andy Maynard , Brian Maynard, and Clint Hoilman will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to be made to Stone Seminary Cemetery Fund, 5688 Mt. Herman Road, Cookeville, TN 38506, New Beginning Assembly of God, 2193 W Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501, and/or to Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation Common Health Fund. www.cookevilleregionalcharity.org

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.