William Ralph Bilbo, Jr., age 78 of Orange, Texas, passed away at his home peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Dorman Funeral Home with Pastor Frank Young from Bethel Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Dorman Funeral Home.
Ralph was born on October 19, 1937 in Orange, Texas to the late William Ralph Bilbo, Sr. and Flavia Iris Young Bilbo. He served in the United States Air Force in the 3361st Instructor Squadron and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Ralph retired from Creole Steel. He was a jack of all trades, who loved wood working projects and remodeling homes. He was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Ralph loved dancing with his wife Mary, whom he adored. Ralph had a big compassionate heart and spent much time, and energy taking care of his family as well as others.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Gerald D. Bilbo.
Survivors include the love of his life whom he spent 28 wonderful years with, Mary Louise Bilbo of Orange, Texas. Children; Denay L. Hudson and her husband Dean of Orange, Texas, Bill Hudson, of Orange, Texas, Jennifer K. Fleming and her husband Johnny of Orange, Texas Tammy L. Hansen of Lumberton, Texas, and David R. Bilbo of Lumberton, Texas. Two sisters, Iris A. Tuter and Brenda J. Kelley and her husband Mike. Five grandchildren; Lisa Grimm, Matthew Miller, Jacob Hudson, Colby Hudson and Stacy Roy and her husband Josh. Eight great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that will miss him dearly.
Serving as pallbearers will be; Johnny Fleming, Dean Lawson, Colby Hudson, Bill Hudson, John Bilbo, Jeff Bilbo, James Tuter, Jr. and Michael Kelley.
The family would like to thank the staff of Compassion Hospice for their loving support and professional care during the last days.
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