Billy Gene Billingsley

Billy Gene Billingsley, 80, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2013, in Columbia, S.C. Bill was born Oct. 19, 1932, to Bessie and William Billingsley in Rogers, Ark. He attended the University of Arkansas and retired from Southwestern Bell as an engineer. He served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Fletcher during the Korean conflict and participated in Inchon Invasion. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lawana Billingsley; parents, Bessie and William Billingsley. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Billingsley; brother, Audell Billingsley; sister, Lorraine Backus; daughters, Kathy and Dewayne Heffley of Columbia, S.C., and Julie Geron of Dallas, Texas; sons, Bob and Donna Billingsley of Chapin, S.C., and Bill Billingsley of Charleston, S.C.; granddaughter, Nicole Larson; grandsons, Matt and Grant Billingsley, Corey Heffley and James Geron; great-grandchildren, Joanie Leigh and Houston Billingsley. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Chapin Baptist Church, with interment in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matt and Grant Billingsley, James Geron, Corey Heffley, Nathan Larson and Randy Owen. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net.