Everett Clayton Billings, 66, of Green Ridge, died Friday, August 20, 2004 at his home.
He was born September 19, 1937, in rural Smithton, son of Homer John and Mina Anderson Billings. On June 16, 1963, at Camp Branch Baptist Church, in Sedalia, he married Betty Templeton, who survives of the hone.
Mr. Billings attended Lone Star School and then Smithon High School, graduating in 1955. Shortly after he graduated the family moved to the Green Ridge area. He worked for a time for “Doc” Johnson’s Tree Service and then became a farm laborer, building a dairy herd at the same time. From January 1961 to January 1963, he served in the United States Army, being discharged from Ft. Lewis, Washington as a private first class.
Mr. Billings worked briefly for Investors Diversified Services before becoming a full time farmer. He was known for his stewardship, love of the land and use of innovative farming methods. He served on the board of directors of the Missouri Farmers Association from 1979 to 1982. He was a member of Camp Branch Baptist Church for 49 years and served on many committees and as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School director and as choir director. He was an active deacon for 39 years.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Billings, of the home; a son Clifton Billings, of Green
Ridge; a daughter, Deanna Hendrich, of Clinton; a granddaughter, Olivia Billings, of Green Ridge; three sisters, Marjorie Harvey, of Walla Walla, Washington, Genevieve Brizendine, of Springfield, Missouri, and Betty Fiedler, of Sedalia. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Heckart/Gillespie Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Rob Ayers and the Rev. Marlin Brown officiating.
Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 conducting military honors at the graveside.
Pallbearers will be Charles Lazenby, John Fluty, David Jefferis, Tommy Bell, Kevin Eilks and Bill Thurman.
Friends may call after 8:30 a.m. Monday at Heckart/Gillespie Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday. Friends may also sign the guest register online at www.heckart-gillespie.com
The family suggests memorial contributions to Camp Branch Baptist Church, Bothwell Regional Health Center Hospice or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.
