Obituary of Don Bigbie

Don Bigbie, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2015. Celebration of Life: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Tuesday, Cross Timbers Winery, 805 N Main St, Grapevine. Memorials: Should friends desire, memorial may be given to Grapevine Ambucs, at grapevineambucs.org. Don will lie in state from 3 pm - 5 pm Tuesday in the Grand Hall of the Grapevine Convention Visitors Building, 636 S Main St, Grapevine. Don was born on January 4, 1945 in Bowie, Texas to John and Viola Bigbie. He met his wife Penny at Texas State University in 1965 and they married in 1968. After college Don joined Braniff Airlines working in Kansas City, St. Louis, San Francisco and Dallas, finishing as the Director of International Sales. After his career with Braniff, Don started his own tourism company promoting Texas and tourism internationally. When he retired he found his next venture in establishing Cross Timbers Winery which has won numerous state, national and international awards. Don renovated the original Dr. Doris home in Grapevine for Cross Timbers, which is now recognized as a Texas historical landmark. Don was involved in many civic organizations. He served on the board of the Grapevine Convention Visitors Bureau for 24 years and was its Chairman for 20 years. Don was a member and past President of Grapevine Ambucs. He was also involved in the Sister City programs with Parras de la Fuente. Don and his companies have received many community and business awards in Grapevine. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and he will be remembered by his generosity, love of life, and spirit of happiness. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Calvin Bigbie. Survivors: Wife, Penny Bigbie; daughters, Ashley Anderson and husband Blaze, and Lindsey Finklea and husband Patrick; grandchildren, Evelyn Anderson, Vivian Anderson, Stella Anderson, Lillian Finklea and Stone Finklea; sister, Carolyn Kilzer; and a host of extended family and friends.