Galen Norvelle Bilbrey Sr.

Galen Norvelle Bilbrey was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 11, 1949, to Betty Frances Bradshaw and Arthur Bilbrey. He was the youngest of three children. He attended Sam Houston High School and graduated in 1967. He was a proud football player on both lines of the ball and loved the game of football.

He spent his entire life in San Antonio, where he had three children and married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Heinemeyer, in 1978. He joined the San Antonio Fire Department in 1969, where he spent 33 years bravely rushing into burning buildings, eating Blue Bell ice cream at the firehouse, and later driving the Fire Chiefs around.

Galen loved to drive, whether driving a milk truck, escorting a wind turbine blade, or driving a chief; he was always a dependable man behind the wheel. He was also a fisherman. The salt air called his name, and he loved to be out on the water. He enjoyed spending time with his second family at Reynolds Beach House on Padre Island, where they would fish and party. This past summer, he realized a lifelong dream of driving the Overseas Highway to Key West with his two sons, Steven and Galen Jr. They fished and visited the Southernmost Point of the US.

Poppe, as he was affectionately called, loved his role as Grandpa. He attended early morning soccer games for over 14 years, from Sea World to Round Rock, to watch his Joshy play. They had a special bond, and I am sure they are having a joyous reunion in heaven.

Galen is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia. His sons, Galen Jr and wife Alice, Steven Bilbrey and wife Leanne, and daughter Brandy Mitchell and husband Mike, his grandchildren Blake Bilbrey, Shelby Huffnagle, and Sophie Dale, great-grandchildren Starla, Natalie, and Levi, and his brother Donald Bilbrey. Additionally, he is survived by numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronald Bilbrey, and grandson Joshua Ray Bilbrey.