Judith Ann Bily

Judith Ann Bily, “Judy,” as her family and friends knew her, passed away the morning of July 13, 2022, after a short battle with cancer. Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Born in Berea, Ohio, to Marvin and Virginia Smith, Judy learned valuable lessons about service and commitment from the examples set by her father’s WWII service and her parent’s work running their hardware store. Judy graduated from North Olmsted High School and went on to graduate from the College of Dentistry at Ohio State University.

In 1971 she married fellow North Olmsted High graduate David “Dave” Bily, and they had two children - Kevin and Rebecca. Judy and the children often moved because of Dave’s military career until 1983, when the family settled in Marietta, Georgia. While living in Whitfield, Judy made lifelong friends. She was active in the neighborhood association, tennis leagues, bridge nights, and any other event that needed volunteers or someone to run the show. In addition to being an active community member, Judy was an extraordinary wife and mother. She spent countless hours supporting her children’s involvement in activities they loved and always had an open door for their friends.

After working as a dental hygienist for 50 years, Judy retired, and she and Dave moved to Panama City, Florida. During her time in Panama City, Judy created lasting friendships with neighbors and congregants at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church. She also created a lifetime of memories by organizing family gatherings where she always made too much food, played games around the dining room table, and stayed up too late for always interesting late-night talks.

Five years ago, Judy and Dave moved to Orange Park, Florida, to be closer to their two grandchildren, where she became an integral part of their day-to-day lives. Judy took every opportunity to spoil them, show them the world, and give them a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Judy is survived by her husband of 50 years, David Bily of Orange Park, Florida; her son Kevin Bily and his wife Michelle of Orange Park, Florida; her daughter Rebecca Bily of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Mason and KayAnn Bily of Orange Park, Florida; her sister Sue Garl and her fiance Jack Nichols of Mobile, Alabama; her niece Elizabeth Ripp of Mobile, Alabama; her nephew Jeff Garl, his wife Leah of Mobile, Alabama; and her great-nephews and niece Riley DeWitt, Jaxson Garl, and Tallulah Garl of Mobile, Alabama.

If you are able please join us for a Memorial service honoring Judy Smith Bily, Saturday, August 27, 2022, at one o’clock in the afternoon. Located at Northbrook United Methodist Church 11225 Crabapple Road Roswell, Georgia 30075.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.