Jay "Dick" Richard Billingsley

Jay Richard (Dick) Billingsley, 89, passed away March 21, 2023. Loving husband to Joyce Harriett

Ison Billingsley for 67 years. Dick was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, son of the late James and

Elizabeth Schwakopf Billingsley. He grew up in Detroit, MI but spent many happy summers in Oil

City, PA with family, including his late dear cousin, MaryAnn (Bill) Spring.

He was a graduate of Cass Tech High School in Detroit, where he met his future wife Joyce. He was

a 1956 graduate of the University of Michigan, earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and

then taught high school mathematics briefly. Changing career paths, he joined Michigan

Consolidated Gas Company in 1960 and was instrumental in implementing main frame computing.

His work in the city of Detroit for the gas company continued throughout several corporate changes

where he served in management positions until his retirement in 1994. Following Joyce and Dick’s

retirements, they opened the Crow’s Nest Bed and Breakfast in White Cloud, MI, which was a joy for

them for 13 years. Their last move was to Copeland Oaks Senior Community in Sebring, OH, where

they resided for the past 12 years. Dick deeply appreciated the care he received, and that which

Joyce continues to receive, at Copeland Oaks.

In his early days, Dick was an avid tennis and golf player. Always a true Detroit sports fan, he

especially followed the Tigers, but nothing compared to his enthusiasm for University of Michigan

football. He was an active member in his local church throughout his life, serving in many leadership

roles. Dick enjoyed vacationing with his family and later cruising with Joyce. Known for his kindness,

generosity, and sense of humor, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He loved his family and greatly valued his friends. Survivors include three children Laura (Jim)

Brodie, Kate (Brad) Mueller, Paul (Johanna) Billingsley, grandchildren Allison (Matt) Pawluk, James

(Karlie) Brodie, Kurt Mueller, Jacob Mueller, Kayla Billingsley, and Drew Billingsley, and great

grandchildren, Davin, Brooklyn, and James.

A celebration of his well lived life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the

Copeland Oaks Care Fund, Copeland Oaks, 800 South 15th Street, Sebring, OH 44672. Friends and family may share their online obituaries at www.deansfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Dean's Funeral Home Sebring, Ohio.

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