Joe Bailey Monroe

Joe Bailey Monroe, of Granbury, passed away early Saturday, January 23, after a brief illness. He was born December 24, 1928 in San Angelo to Earl and Laura Belle Monroe.
The family bought a farm in Northeast Hood County and moved here when Joe was two. He attended school at Rocky Point, Temple Hall, and Granbury High School.
Joe began his career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T in 1947, and in 1948 he was transferred to Bowie, TX, where he met Betty Robertson, whose best friend’s parents owned a restaurant, where Joe and his friends frequently ate. It sounded like love at first sight, and they were married on December 18, 1948 in Fort Worth. They lived in Bowie the first few years, then moved to Fort Worth…and eventually Granbury.
Joe enjoyed a long career with AT&T, and when he retired, he was able to pursue his lifelong desire to be a full-time farmer/cattle rancher. His son, Tim was/is a partner in the cattle business.
Joe was a member of Baker Baptist Church for many years, then a founding/charter member of Long Creek Baptist Church. Last month, on his birthday, he was awarded a plaque as Deacon Emeritus.
Joe was an avid Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys fan…in their good times and bad…
He is survived by his wife, Betty, with whom he celebrated a 72nd wedding anniversary in December, son Steve, son Tim and wife Jackie, daughter Becky Edwards and husband Mike, and daughter Joanna Smithie. He is also survived by five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Monroe Gray, and brothers, Lawrence Earl Monroe, Jr., Glenn Monroe and Curtis Monroe, and son-in-law, Bill Smithie. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Wiley Funeral Home, and funeral service will be at 11 am, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Long Creek Baptist Church, 14000 Baker Road, Weatherford, TX