William Edward Bilbrey Jr., 93, a lifelong resident of Smithville, passed away October 14, 2024, at home on the family farm.
Edward was born on August 13, 1931, to Ed and Gladys Bilbrey. As their only child, Edward spent his entire life on Bilbrey Road, first planting corn and cotton with mules, then learning to operate a tractor, which sparked a lifelong passion for anything with a motor—particularly shiny new pickup trucks. One summer day in 1954, he drove his dark green Chevy to Powhatan so he could take Carolyn Faulkner to the Portia Picnic, and he continued driving her around the countryside for nearly 70 years. Edward and Carolyn were united in marriage on April 27, 1956, at the Lawrence County Courthouse in Walnut Ridge and set out to build a life together on the farm, which included running a small dairy and egg operation and raising beef cattle.
Every day of Edward’s life was spent doing what he loved, whether it was hunting and fishing, watching his grandkids play ball, or tinkering on a tractor out at the barn. He also possessed a strong sense of community and served Lawrence County for many years as a member of the Lynn School Board, the Lawrence County Quorum Court, and the Smithville Fire Improvement District. Additionally, he had volunteered with the Smithville Fire Department and with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy. He attended Smithville United Methodist Church and Smithville Masonic Lodge #29, where he received his 32nd Degree and 70-Year Pin. As members of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 65 years, both Edward and Carolyn enjoyed traveling the area to fellowship with friends at monthly meetings. Having never met a stranger, Edward’s jovial and mischievous spirit was appreciated by people near and far.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Bilbrey Sr. and Gladys Williams Bilbrey. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn Bilbrey, of their home; two daughters: Rita Thomison (John) and Maleta Tipton (Brent), all of Smithville; three grandchildren: Lindsay Penn (Chris) of Smithville, John Hollis Thomison of Independence, Kansas, and Emily Tuma of Smithville; and five great-grandchildren: James Edward “Jep” Penn and Chandler, Bilbrey, Wilder, and Josephine Tuma, all of Smithville.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Smithville United Methodist Church with Michael Dodson officiating and Cox Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A Masonic burial will follow at the Smithville Cemetery. Visitation will precede the funeral service from 9 a.m. until service time. Honored to serve as pallbearers are John Thomison, Brent Tipton, John Hollis Thomison, Chris Penn, Chandler Tuma, and Joe Wallis. Honorary pallbearers are Chuck Gray, Mike Holland, Jim Penn, Terry Goodon, Phillip Faulkner, Randy Myers, Charles Goff, Jerry Foley, and Gary Davis.
Following services, all friends and family are invited to the Smithville Community Center for lunch hosted by ladies of the Smithville United Methodist and Smithville Baptist Churches.