James Raymond Bilbrey Jr.

He was born in Crossville, TN on August 3rd, 1952. Raymond graduated from Cumberland Country High School and attended Draughton’s College and Dalton Junior College. He served 3 years in the United States Army and was a member of the 24th Infantry Division Band. He was also a drummer in a local band in Tennessee as he had a passion for music. Raymond was married to Deborah Bilbrey for 23 fun-filled, adventurous years.

Raymond worked in the Trucking/Transportation industry for over 30 years. His hobbies included riding his Harley, hunting, fishing, gardening and golfing. One of Raymond’s favorite past-times was watching the University of Tennessee Volunteers play football. Raymond loved spending time with his beloved beagles, Buddy and Harley.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Raymond Bilbrey, Sr. and his sister, Jennifer Watts. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Bilbrey; his mother, Thelma Bilbrey; his brothers, Ricky and Robby Bilbrey; four children, Shane and Zach Bilbrey, Cheri Wright, and Kendra Stewart; six grandchildren, Tyler Stewart, Nikole, Johnathon, Kinsleigh, Bryson, and Talon Bilbrey; and one great-grandson, Parker Bilbrey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Raymond’s name can be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society, www.jaxhumane.org (904)493-4566 and/or American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org 1(800)342-2383.

A Celebration of Raymond’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 6:00pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with a reception following after the service.