Mr. William E. “Gene” Billingsley, age 85, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 1, 1930, in the St. Florian community of Florence, Alabama to the late William McArthur and Vernon (Young) Billingsley. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Milliard, James, and Grady Billingsley.
Gene was a longtime member of City Road Chapel United Methodist Church and was a veteran of the Korean War while serving his country in the United States Army. Gene and Audrey owned Baker and Baker Employment Service for 37 ½ years. They worked side by side; Gene was the bookkeeper while Audrey managed the business. Gene also worked at The United Methodist Publishing House as manager of the offset plate department. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time traveling, gardening, and with family.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Audrey Woodard Billingsley; children, Teresa Billingsley, Elaine Billingsley Forrester (Mark), and Brian Billingsley (Bridget); grandchildren, Shelley Howell (Zack), Emily Forrester, Dane Travelstead, Marshall Billingsley, Catherine Billingsley, Patrick Billingsley, Colin Billingsley, Elizabeth Billingsley, Sean Billingsley, and Aidan Billingsley; great-grandchildren, Cayden Hoke and Layne Howell; brother, Thomas Billingsley (Margaret); sisters-in-law, Bertha Billingsley and Elvia Billingsley; many nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Ed Travelstead.
Visitation will be held today from 4-8 p.m. at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Wednesday from 11 a.m. until funeral time at his church. A celebration of life funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at City Road Chapel United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the chapel mausoleum of the historic Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to City Road Chapel United Methodist Church, 701 Gallatin Pike South, Madison TN 37115. Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville TN 37216, 615-865-1101, springhillfh.com.
