Robert G. Billings

[ Originally published on: Thursday, October 08, 2009 ]

GREENFIELD -- Robert ''Bob'' George Billings, 85, of Greenfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 6, 1924, the oldest child of Ezra and Ethel (Bird) Billings in Plainfield. He grew up in Plainfield and graduated from Sanderson Academy, Ashfield, in 1942.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 7, 1943, serving in Company D 358th Infantry attached to the 90th Division of the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He was a heavy weapons NCO serving in campaigns in Northern France, Normandy, Rhineland and Ardennes. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with four service stars and a Good Conduct Medal. Bob was honorably discharged on Oct. 26, 1945, receiving rank of sergeant.

Bob began his life with Eleanor ''Duddy'' Gray on Oct. 31, 1945 -- their first date -- and they were married Aug. 17, 1946 in Colrain. Bob and Duddy lived in Plainfield until 1960, when they moved to Montague.

He worked as a heavy machinery mechanic in various shops and as an independent logger. He retired from the B&M Railroad. After retirement, he and his wife wintered in Arizona until 1996, when they settled in Greenfield.

Bob was a member of the Bay State Masonic Lodge and served as Worshipful Master in 1976 and 1978.

His hobbies included woodworking, building machinery, gardening and playing cards. He was an avid reader and lifelong Red Sox fan. He most enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Bob leaves four daughters: Pamela (Thomas) Rogers of Greenfield, Alice (William) Connelley of Shelburne Falls, Melissa (Verne) Williams of Montague and Angela (Terry) Sinclair of Greenfield, and one son, Gary (Janis) Billings of Montague. He also leaves 10 grandchildren: Michael (Sue) Rogers, Jennifer (Richard) LaCross, Staff Sgt. Shawn Billings, Zachary Billings, Jacqueline (Peter Martyn) Billings, Jacob Billings, Jessica (Joshua) Wenig, Amy (Jon) Hall, Michael (Kimberly) Williams, Lisandra Billings; six step-grandchildren: Stephanie Connelley, Haley Connelley, Jesse (Angela) Sinclair, Jody Sinclair, Riley Smith and Rick Smith; six great-grandchildren: D.J. LaCross, Bella LaCross, Sam Rogers, Lilly Rogers and Lily Sinclair. He also leaves one sister, Esther Warner, and two nephews and one niece.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; brother-in-law, Harry Warner, and by his beloved wife of 62 years, Eleanor ''Duddy.''

He will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Services will be held on Oct. 28, 2009 at Johnson's Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls.

A calling hour will be at 10 a.m. followed by an Evergreen service and memorial service at 11. Burial, with military honors, will follow immediately in North Cemetery in Colrain.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his name to: Hospice of Franklin County, 349 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301 or to Harmony Lodge A.F.&A.M., Masonic Avenue, Turners Falls, MA 01376.

 

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