Gary Mr Wonderful Delon Bilbrey

In the song of life, Gary Delon Bilbrey was surely the composer. A very observant, laid back man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Gary preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Gary believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He had common sense and seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Gary perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

      Gary was born on May 29, 1937 in Old Hickory,Tn. His parents were Earl Delon and Stella Marie Worley Bilbrey. Growing up in Old Hickory as a young child, Gary was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Gary rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

      Early on in his family relationships, Gary showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with two siblings, two younger brothers, James Edward and George Michael Bilbrey. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As he was growing up, Gary developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Gary liked concrete things. Growing up, Gary took part in basketball and baseball. In his spare time he liked to go fishing. However, to Gary, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in his school years, Gary showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to designing and building things. At times, school learning did not provide Gary with sufficient challenges. That was when he turned to his hobbies for fulfillment. He graduated from Dupont High School in 1955, where he enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were math, chemistry, and mechanical drawing. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most were Wilson Bates and Raymond Falkenberry. In 1951, when he was a Freshman in High School, Gary won 1st prize in the Boys Hobby Fair for his cherry wood violin shelf. It was a beautiful creation that he could proudly say he designed.

      Those who didn’t know Gary well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Gary was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Gary’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Curtis Chaffin, Charles Fleming, Norman Conner, J.T. Wells, and Buddy Woosley. Later in life, he became friends with Cecil and Shirley Burton, Dayle and Gloria Page, Ron and Jerrie Batson, Bob and Ann Willoughby, Albert and Judy McKee.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Gary had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On July 21, 1956, Gary exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Paula Lucille Knight at the courthouse in Corinth, Mississippi. The dawn of each day brought an opportunity for a new adventure, which made them partners for life.

      Gary was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Gary was blessed with two children,a son, Steven and a daughter Gwendolynn. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, a grandson, Clinton, who enjoyed his love of fishing and motorcycling and a step granddaughter, Brittany.

      Gary found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was a supervisor at the Ford Glass Plant, where he was employed for 37 years. Gary tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

      Gary enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, woodworking and motorcycling. Gary was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests. He loved to build and design things that could be enjoyed by others. Gary was an excellent carpenter building cabinets, gazebos and arbors, as well as smaller woodworking projects. He also designed concrete pathways around the yard and constructed brickwork and tile projects to enhance the appearance of their property. He even knew how to do the electrical and plumbing required to complete each project. Gary was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

      Gary liked sports. In high school, Gary played basketball and was the pitcher in baseball. Recreational sports included bowling, golf and motorcycling. Gary was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Though Gary loved almost all sports, tops on his list were football, baseball, basketball, golf, and Nascar racing.

      Throughout his life, Gary was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Gary was an active member of GABA -Gallatin Association Bass Anglers and GWRRA - Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He made friends for life with members of both groups. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Gary’s faith was important to him. When Gary was growing up he was a member of the Old Hickory Baptist Church , but in the last few years attended the Church of Christ in Old Hickory. Gary's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Gary was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. He often undervalued his achievements and abilities and simply viewed his performance as fulfilling his responsibilities. Some of his most prestigious awards included 1999 GABA Sportsman of the Year Award and the 1997 Big Fish Award.

      Because he loved the world around him, Gary enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Gary put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Jumping on the motorcycle with Paula riding behind him was one of the greatest joys of his life. They traveled across North America visiting all 48 states, Nova Scotia, and Canada with friends in the Gold Wing Road Riders. Some of their favorite vacations include Panama City, FL., Carribean Cruises, and the wonderful tour taken in 1996 of 13 European countries.

      Gary was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Gary’s favorites was Mitzi a miniature Schnauzer. They were best friends for 14 years. His family was rounded out by another dog, Bridget, a Schnoodle (Poodle and Schnauzer mix) and a cat named Prissy.

      When Gary’s retirement finally arrived in 1995, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Gallatin, TN where he and Paula built a new home. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing golf, bowling and traveling. Even in retirement, Gary continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

      Gary passed away on March 19, 2009 at home in Hermitage, TN. He was finally relieved from his suffering from the effects of a rare disease known as PSP - Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He is survived by his loving wife Paula, his children Steve and Gwen, his grandchildren, Clint, Brittany, his brothers James and George. Services were held at Hermitage Funeral Home. Gary was laid to rest in Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

      Gary was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Gary always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Gary was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Gary Delon Bilbrey.