Joe Bill Gilbert

MILLSAP -- Joe Bill Gilbert, 77, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, surrounded by family at his home in Millsap. Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Community Fellowship, 111 West Ranch Lane, Weatherford. Interment: Hill Cemetery, Millsap. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at White's Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford. Bill graduated from Millsap High School in 1953 and attended and graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1957. He married Norma Beth Carter on Sept. 5, 1956. He taught high school in Santo for 19 years. He lived for his family and his music and played the fiddle for 71 years. He also played a number of other instruments but was quoted as saying, "I am a fiddler", despite other accomplishments and capabilities. It was a fundamental part of his life but he said he played for the fun and enjoyment of it. In 1973 he co-founded the Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association, served as their first president, and helped pass down old time fiddle breakdown music to the next generation. In 1998 he co-founded the Western Swing Society of the Southwest along with being inducted into a number of music halls of fame and accomplishing and winning numerous awards. Survivors: Beautiful wife of 56 years, Norma Gilbert of Millsap; sons, Bart Gilbert and wife, Melia, of Millsap, and Chris Gilbert and wife, Penny, of Millsap; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He will be loved and missed forever.White's Funeral HomeWeatherford, 817-596-4811