Monty Hollis Bilbrey Sr.

Mr. Bilbrey was born to the late Louise Isbell Bilbrey and Hollis Hubert Bilbrey. He was raised in Chattanooga and graduated from Tyner High School. Monty served in the U.S. Navy at San Diego, CA. He was employed by Dupont Chemical, Chattanooga before electrical training and advancement to power Plant Operator for TVA, briefly at Shawnee Fossil Plant in Padukah, KY, and continuing at Widow’s Creek in Stevenson, AL until retirement. Monty was a former member of the Masonic Lodge. He served as deacon at Tyner Church of Christ and later attended at Cohutta and Ringgold.

Monty and Bettye, his wife of 68 years, who passed away in December 2017, were high school sweethearts – he the football center and she the majorette. They owned and operated Country Gardens Florist and wholesale greenhouses which provided flowers and plants in the tri-state area during the 70s and 80s. They relished life together, traveling in the southeast, avid readers, enjoying boating, fishing, camping, and golfing. Monty built their home of 55 years in a scenic country setting they found especially satisfying after retirement.

Family and grandchildren brought them much pleasure. Surviving are two sons, Monty (Susan) Bilbrey, Jr. and Christopher “Kip” (Tabbi) Bilbrey, and daughter, April Wright. He is also survived by a brother, Gaither (Shirley) Bilbrey, and sister, Joan (Leon) Roberts. Monty and Bettye have 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who love them as “Gram and Grampa.”

The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Friday, March 2nd at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 1 PM at the funeral home with John A. Cupp, Jr. officiating. Burial will be private.