Joseph Harry Bilbee, Jr.

Joseph H. Bilbee Jr., age 72 of Harrison, Arkansas, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 18, 2022. The son of Joseph H. Bilbee Sr. and Doris Bilbee was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. Bilbee Sr. and Doris Bilbee; his grandmother, Emma; his brother, John; and his Aunt Denise.

Joe and his wife met in northern California in 1984 and were married in September of 1985. He worked for a gold mine in Elko, NV and onto Homestake Gold Mine in California, where he got the gold to form his lovely gold tooth that he was so proud of! Joe was a member of Lake County Sheriff’s Posse and a reserve deputy. He went on to be an EMT II and drive ambulance. They moved to Harrison, Arkansas with their children in 1993. He worked at White Rogers, Boone County 911, and Boone County Sheriff’s Office until he was unable to work any longer. Joe was a team player no matter where he worked. He was a Vietnam Veteran and most proud of serving his country in the military, he said it was “the highest standard of team playing”.

He enjoyed time with his family, porch sitting, his motorcycle, collecting coins, reading and watching westerns, reading books about his heritage, buying/trading guns, and hanging out with his friends… especially, the time spent on long drives and at the shop with his late and dear friend, Ulys Youngblood, who was a true and great friend ‘til the very end. He was a long time member of BACA with a deep passion for their mission. Throughout his involvement, he gained several friends/brothers and sisters who know him as, Okie.

Joe was kind and loving, a gentle giant, a loving husband, father and generous to a fault.  He had a passion for Oklahoma Sooner Football-even got his wife hooked on it, and boy... did the house get loud on game nights!! Everywhere he went, he tried to convert people wearing Razorback shirts to the Sooners, telling them he was recruiting. He always said, I’m “Sooner born and Sooner bred, and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead!”

Joe is survived by his wife, Susan, of Harrison, AR; son Jeremy (Tara), of Harrison, AR; daughter Shonna (Cody), of Harrison, AR; granddaughter Karlie, of Harrison, AR; grandsons Hennessy, Kade, Jude, Jayden, and Xander, of Harrison, AR; sister Deborah, of Modesto, CA; sister Rhonda of Princeton Junction, NJ; and sister Mary ‘Sissy’ of Princeton, WV; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and many friends that will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Hall in Lead Hill AR.  May 31st at 1pm. with Dr. Shari Marshall presiding.  Military Honors.  Flowers by: Imagine That - 870-449-8080