Millard Wayne Bilbrey, 75, of Columbus, N.C. passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014 in Mission Hospital, Asheville, N.C.

Born in Johnson City, Tenn., he was the son of the late Andrew J. and Mary Alice Bilbrey.  A veteran of the U.S. Navy he served aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain.  He retired from CSX Railroad after 30 years of service.  A longtime member of Morgan Chapel Baptist Church, he was a Sunday school teacher and well-loved musician who played with numerous gospel groups.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Georgiana Griswold Bilbrey; one son, Daniel Bilbrey of Cookville, Tenn.; two nephews, Doug Bilbrey of Houston, Texas and Darriel Bilbrey of Johnson City, Tenn.; along with six grandchildren and several nieces.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2014 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C. with Rev. Keith Stott officiating.

The family received friends prior to the service from 1 – 1:45 p.m. in McFarland’s Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C.

Burial was held in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus, N.C. following the funeral service, with military burial rites provided by the Polk County Veterans Memorial Squad.

Memorials may be made to Morgan Chapel Baptist Church, 2850 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, N.C. 28782.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.