Richard Wayne Billings, 70, of Gorin, died Monday, October 17, 2016 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis.
He was born the son of Ross “Shorty” and Stella Margaret (Davis) Billings on August 23, 1946 on a hill in Scotland County.
Richard graduated from Wyaconda C-1 High School. He joined the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant, before being discharged in 1972.
He married the former Beverly Marie Hicks on May 28, 1988 in Kirksville. She survives.
Richard worked as a machine operator at Metzler Automotive in Keokuk. He was member of the United Steel Workers #444. Upon retirement, he devoted his time to farming.
He was a member of the American Legion and a former member of the Bible Grove Saddle Club.
Richard had a special interest in cattle, AC tractors, and his dog Ruby. He was fond of his horses, cows, and dogs. He always looked forward to reading the NEMO Trader when it came out. Richard especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tom Billings; and a step son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Cindy Van Hoozen.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of the home; his children, Lesia (Rick) Hunziker and Les (Erin) Billings of Kahoka and Kimberly (Kevin) Carr of Warsaw, IL; step children, Jennifer (Troy) Esser and Shawna Stone and special friend, Bubba Hauk, of Memphis; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Raelynn, Logan, Lauren, Vince, Garrett, Wyatt, Clint, Laura (Craig), and Trent (Amber); step grandchildren, Nichole (Jimmy), Caleb, John, Whitney, Emma, Grace, Phillip, Katie (Colton), Mason, Kenny, Jaycen, Heather (David), Carrissa (John), Nakiya, Kody and Kaleb; 22 step great grandchildren; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday, October 20, at the Gerth Funeral Chapel in Memphis with Shawn McAfee, pastor of the Peaksville Christian Church, officiating. Les Billings, Rick Hunziker, Kevin Carr, Gary Nolt, John Morris and Michael Billings will serve as pallbearers. Fred Bass, Boot Bass, Kenny Dieterich, Dick Pruitt, and Mike Clark are honorary pallbearers. Burial will follow in the Etna Cemetery.
Military rites will be performed by the Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial V.F.W. Post #4958 of Memphis.
Visitation is prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, at Gerth Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Scotland County Cancer Fund or the Clark County Local Cancer Fund.
10 comments
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Be strong. I’m thinking of you.
* * * *
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ.
by Henry Scott Holland
Richard always would joke around and visit with me, even tho he was not feeling the best. He brightened my day and I’m pretty sure he enjoyed the banter with others also. Cherish your memories with him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
RICHARD AND I WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER. BOY WE HAD SOME WONDERFUL TIMES. I’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS BEING HAPPY AND NEVER DOWN ABOUT ANYTHING. I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS.
So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Really going to miss our phone calls!
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I always enjoyed him when he came in for his treatments. He will be missed. Prayers of comfort sent for his family and friends.
Betty Orton RN
We are so sorry and are praying for you. Richard will be greatly missed by so many. We wish we were able to be with all of you and although we are unable to be there in person, please know that we are thinking of you and love you!
Dan & Dorothy
Prayers, thoughts and love have been sent for the family! Richard was a great man and will be missed.
Thinking of you Aunt Bev and our dear cousins. I hope that you will find peace in the many memories that you have of Richard. Much love and hugs to you.
Love,
Angie & Jake
Prayer to the Billings family. Take comfort in knowing that others care. You are in our thoughts.
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