Roll Call Tribute

Joshua Ray Bilbrey 

August 30, 2002 - September 4, 2024 

Josh Bilbrey of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away in a car accident early Wednesday morning, September 4, 2024, at the age of 22. Born on August 30, 2002, Josh was the only child of Steven and Leanne Bilbrey.

Josh’s joy, enthusiasm and fearless lust for life showed in so many of his attributes you can’t even put them into words. You knew when he came into the room because his smile would brighten the room and when he hugged you, you didn’t want to let go. He would always know when someone needed one of his amazing hugs. He could quickly cheer you up with his quick wit and always kept you on your toes laughing. He supported others and encouraged everyone around him. He enjoyed playing Xbox and hanging out with friends and family.

Josh had a great work ethic from the age of 15. He started working in the restaurant industry at a young age and most recently worked at Las Fontana’s. He loved having fun at work, would often dance in the kitchen and his smile would light up the dining room for his guests and coworkers. Josh was a lifelong Unicorn, attending Lone Star, Carl Schurz, Oak Run Middle School, and graduated from New Braunfels High School in 2021. He loved his Unicorns and was a proud member of the Blue Crew his Senior Year. He attended college at Texas A&M University and Texas State. Although not a student this semester, he planned to return to school and study psychology.

His love for cars started at a young age with a Lighting McQueen bedroom and a battery-operated Jeep. As he grew older, he loved Mustangs, Jeeps, and motorcycles. He was always happy driving around with the music blasting, windows down, and his long hair blowing in the wind. Josh recently started rock climbing and was dreaming of rock climbing in Colorado.

Josh spent many years playing soccer. He started at age 4 and played through high school. He was fearless on the field, could bounce off the turf, and kept going. His love of soccer led him to coach for NBYSA during his high school years. As a young adult, he would still play anytime they were looking for a player in a pick-up game. He played for a few teams over the years but had a core group with NB Ajax and New Braunfels Unicorn Soccer.

Josh is survived by his parents, Steven and Leanne Bilbrey; half brothers, Noah and Austin; grandparents, Galen and wife, Patricia Bilbrey, Diane Roberson, Daniel and wife, Pamela Hetrick, and Tim and wife, Beth Reininger; uncles, Galen, Jr. and wife, Alice Bilbrey, Jason and wife, Shannon Hetrick, Adam and wife, Autumn Hetrick, Matt and wife, Joann Hetrick and Jason Roberson; aunt, Brandy and husband, Mike Mitchell. In addition, Josh is survived by Jessica Brooke, Dale Lyons Jr, several cousins, and many loving friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM with the funeral service beginning at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Freedom Fellowship Church, 410 Oak Run Point, New Braunfels, 78132. The funeral procession will depart with police escorts at 1:30 PM from the church for a 2:00 PM committal service at Hill Country Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held back at the church immediately following the committal service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Josh, memorial donations may be given to NB AJAX Soccer Club, 244 FM 306, Suite 120, PMB 633, New Braunfels, TX 78130.