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In loving memory

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August 23, 1954 –  November 15, 2012  Funeral services for Steven Joey Gilbreath will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, November 18th at First Baptist Church Gainesville, conducted by Rev. Roslyn Eugster. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Meador-Clement-Keel Funeral Home.
Joey was born on August 23, 1954 to Amos J. and Elizabeth (Piper) Gilbreath. Joey attended Gainesville schools. He married Sissie Mitchell May 18, 1973 in Gainesville. Joey worked extensively in the oilfields. His career began working for Barnes Bros. Wells. In 1975 he went to work for Dowell, an oilfield division of Dowell Chemical. After five years Joey went to work for his brother Murriel as a driver/sales person for Gilbreath Tank Trucks. He later worked for Marion Hunger as an oilfield consultant in the early 80’s. As the oil industry began to decline, Joey returned to Barnes Bros Wells where he remained and worked in many capacities until 1999 when he became the yard manager of Mercer Well Service. He continued to work there until his health began to decline.

In spring of 2010 Joey’s health forced him to retire. His health was sporadic – great some days and some not. He learned to play BUNCO with great friends and learned to travel some. He learned to take one day at a time, enjoy it, and move on. He was inspired to keep going from friends and family who refused to let his disability keep him down. He was a family man who wanted his kids, grandkids and their friends to come to the house and just hangout, play games, build a fire or go swimming. He just wanted to be around them.

He loved it when they would come to church because he knew the importance of church and a relationship with God. He was also very proud to have them with him.

He loved his family and most importantly his wife. His wife was there through the good and not so good. Sometimes it seemed hard to keep on but she did what needed to be done.

Joey is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sissie; a son, Greg and fiancé, Maureen; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Robert DeBord, a daughter and son-in-law, Brandi and Michael DeBord; 7 grandchildren, Jaycee and Topher Gilbreath, Trevor and Tanner DeBord, Michael Tyler, Marissa and Mason DeBord. He is also survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Frank Doss, brother and sister-in-law, Murriel and Carolyn Gilbreath, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Julie Mitchell, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jackie and Darla Mitchell; Mother-in-law, Adene Mitchell and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Cody and Donnie Gilbreath.

Services are under the direction of Meador-Clement-Keel Funeral Home. To sign the online registry go to www.meadorfuneralhomes.com