1923
Emmett
2015
Emmett J Billings
May 17, 1923 — January 5, 2015
Emmett J. Billings
Harlingen, TX:
E.J. Billings, 91, went peacefully to be with our Lord January 5, 2015 at his residence which he built in 1945 near Combes.
He was born on May 17, 1923 in Oakwood, Texas to Jack and Amelia (Albers) Billings. At the age of 5, the family moved to the Rio Grande Valley residing on Hardin Ranch. He graduated from Wilson Tract School with the class of 1940.
E.J. was a veteran of WWII serving for three years as a Naval Aircraft Carrier Pilot. He loved flying but his main interest was to be a farmer so he joined his dad in the farming business where he was successful for over 50 years. He served on various Farm-Related Boards as well as an Alderman on the Combes Town Board.
He was an active member of Combes Baptist Church and later at Calvary Baptist Church.
E.J. is survived by his wife, Virginia, and sons Gary of Combes, Dennis of Houston and stepson Joe Johnson (Mary) of Galveston, IN; grandsons, Andy (Jill) Pagel of Calvert City, KY; Dusty (Angie) Pagel of League City, TX; Terry (Megan) Pagel of Paducah, KY; granddaughters Lauren Watts of San Francisco; Natalie (Jason) Clements of Chicago; Abigail (Micah) Newsom of Denton, TX; step grandsons Tim, Zachary, and Joshua Johnson of Indiana; 6 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren and 2 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 30 years Natalie, daughter Gayle Phillips and sister Ruth Thompson.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kuye and staff and the Greater Valley Hospice and staff especially Mindy, Dalia, Sylvia and Rose for their tender loving care to their loved one.
Memorial services are on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Rev. Brandon Helm officiating.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ted Childs, Keith Ostrander, Danny Allen Zewdie Teruneh, Tracy Odom, Dale Doty, Larry Elliff, David Barbee, Robin Hayse, Harvey Adams, Tommy Lamon and Jimmy Lamon.
In lieu of flowers, because E.J. loved cats and dogs, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Harlingen Humane Society, 1106 Markowsky Ave. Harlingen, Texas 78550.
Harlingen, TX:
E.J. Billings, 91, went peacefully to be with our Lord January 5, 2015 at his residence which he built in 1945 near Combes.
He was born on May 17, 1923 in Oakwood, Texas to Jack and Amelia (Albers) Billings. At the age of 5, the family moved to the Rio Grande Valley residing on Hardin Ranch. He graduated from Wilson Tract School with the class of 1940.
E.J. was a veteran of WWII serving for three years as a Naval Aircraft Carrier Pilot. He loved flying but his main interest was to be a farmer so he joined his dad in the farming business where he was successful for over 50 years. He served on various Farm-Related Boards as well as an Alderman on the Combes Town Board.
He was an active member of Combes Baptist Church and later at Calvary Baptist Church.
E.J. is survived by his wife, Virginia, and sons Gary of Combes, Dennis of Houston and stepson Joe Johnson (Mary) of Galveston, IN; grandsons, Andy (Jill) Pagel of Calvert City, KY; Dusty (Angie) Pagel of League City, TX; Terry (Megan) Pagel of Paducah, KY; granddaughters Lauren Watts of San Francisco; Natalie (Jason) Clements of Chicago; Abigail (Micah) Newsom of Denton, TX; step grandsons Tim, Zachary, and Joshua Johnson of Indiana; 6 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren and 2 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 30 years Natalie, daughter Gayle Phillips and sister Ruth Thompson.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kuye and staff and the Greater Valley Hospice and staff especially Mindy, Dalia, Sylvia and Rose for their tender loving care to their loved one.
Memorial services are on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Rev. Brandon Helm officiating.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ted Childs, Keith Ostrander, Danny Allen Zewdie Teruneh, Tracy Odom, Dale Doty, Larry Elliff, David Barbee, Robin Hayse, Harvey Adams, Tommy Lamon and Jimmy Lamon.
In lieu of flowers, because E.J. loved cats and dogs, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Harlingen Humane Society, 1106 Markowsky Ave. Harlingen, Texas 78550.
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