Billy Don Mcgilbra

Billy Don "Bill's", journey began on April 2nd, 1960, in Midway, Texas. It was there, he joined an exceptionally, extraordinary family, who would raise him with strong Christian convictions and values. He was the youngest child, of the late Clyde, and Mary Ethel McGilbra, and would join his four sisters, Lillian Ann (Midway, TX), Hazel Washington (deceased), Patsy Ann Jordan (Madisonville, TX), and Pauline Burns (Midway, TX). He would also join three brothers, Larry Jordan (Dallas, TX), E.L. "Sonny" (deceased) and Rossi Lee (deceased).

He would grow up in Midway, Texas and attend Madisonville CISD, where he was actively involved in sports and other extracurricular activities.

Bill graduated High School in May of 1979, and would later relocate to Houston, Texas, where he continued his adult life. It was here that he obeyed the gospel of Christ under the leadership of the late, Brother James A. Franklin, at the Riverside Church of Christ. The decision to dedicate his life to Christ was a very defining moment, for he realized that "... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

Bill was a hard worker, and maintained gainful employment for over forty years in the grocery industry. He was independent and very proud of providing an honest living for himself.

He was loved by his family and enjoyed many happy occasions in their midst. Connecting with his sisters made him happy, as he would often call them to check-in. He was genuinely endearing to those who knew him best. When we think of Bill, we think of how Grady Poulard's poem, "The Measure of a Man", embraces his spirit. "The measure of a man is not determined by his show of outward strength, or the volume of his voice, or the thunder of his actions, or his intellect or academic abilities. It is seen rather in the terms of the love that he has for his family, and for everyone. The strength of his commitments, the genuineness of his friendships, the sincerity of his purpose, and the quiet courage of his convictions. The fun, laughter, joy, and happiness he gives to his family, and to others. His love of life, his patience, and his honesty, and his contentment with what he has."

Bill will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and all of those who knew and loved him. We know that we can never fill the void his passing leaves us with, however we are reminded in (2 Corinthians 5:8), "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."

Homegoing services for Bill will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. A visitation will be held from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., Friday, February 18th at the funeral home. Interment will be in Southside Cemetery, Midway, Texas.

Active Pallbearers: Donald Jordan, Darion Wiley, Marlon McGilbra, Christopher McGilbra, Ryan Burns, Dairy Burns

Honorary Pallbearers: Michael Burns , Jimmy Earl McGilbra

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.