Jessie Joe "Jody" Bilbrey

Jessie Joe “Jody” Bilbrey was called to be with the Lord on Monday, August 26, 2024. He was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the son of Joe Bilbrey and Rachel Dillingham Bilbrey.

Jody served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the 199th Infantry Brigade (“The Redcatchers”) and 101st Airborne Division (“The Screaming Eagles”). Even after he left active duty, he remained a staunch supporter of our troops and an advocate for veterans’ affairs throughout his life serving multiple terms as the Commander of the VFW Post 1970. In addition to being Commander, he served on numerous committees for veterans. 

He was also a business owner who was active in the commercial and residential tile business who took pride in his work. A lot of that work is still around to this day.

Jody never met a stranger and he loved to travel. His golf trips with his buddies are some of his most memorable adventures. He also was a skydiver who logged over one hundred jumps.

Jody was a family man too. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law, cousin, and friend. He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother David Bilbrey. He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Bilbrey, daughter, Natasha Duncan (Tony), his grandchildren, William and Madeline (he was “Granddad!” to them), his sister Linda Chambers (Tony), nephew James A. Miller, and numerous cousins.

The world was a better place with Jody in it and he will be missed by a lot of people for a very long time. “We love ya, Jody!”

Visitation will be held at the West Harpeth Funeral Home (6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37209) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:30am with the funeral starting at noon. Interment at Veterans Cemetery on McCrory Lane, Nashville, Tennessee.