James Billingsley, Sr.

Mr. James Edward Billingsley, Sr., son of the late Willie and Lucy Mae Billingsley was born on August 6, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended the public schools of Jefferson County and graduated from Wenonah High School in 1964. At an early age James professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C. M. Smith where he was a dedicated member. He was united in holy matrimony to Shirley Ann Wilson, who he affectionately called “Ann” in November 1964 until 2000. They remarried in 2005 and remained together until his death. Mr. Billingsley worked for over 25 years as an Iron Worker with the Iron Workers Local 7 Union in Boston, Massachusetts until he retired in 1999. After retirement, Mr. Billingsley moved to Macon, Georgia and joined Lizzie Chapel where he sang in the choir for several years. He moved to Stockbridge, Georgia where he joined Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Morrow, Georgia where he became a member of the choir and attended worship service faithfully. James was never shy about sharing his love for Jesus, his quick wit and humor, and the wisdom he had gained through life’s journey. With a heart full of both compassion and tough love, he poured into his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched, leaving a lasting impact that will never be forgotten. He had a deep love for music and could often be found playing his favorite tunes, dancing with joy, and lifting his voice in song. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, especially devoted to cheering on his beloved Boston teams. His laughter was truly contagious, a joyful sound that could light up any room and bring smiles to everyone around him. He had a unique gift for finding humor in life’s moments, always lifting spirits and leaving those in his presence with hearts a little lighter. Mr. Billingsley peacefully departed this life and entered into his eternal rest on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Willie and Mrs. Lucy Mae Billingsley, his sisters Ms. Willie Mae Billingsley, and Ms. Jacqueline Billingsley. His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife Shirley, his daughters Yolander (Reginald) Heard of Fairburn, Georgia, Rosalind Billingsley of Atlanta, Georgia, his son James Billingsley, Jr. of Framingham, Massachusetts, his sisters Mrs. Carolyn Gibbs of California City, California, Pastor Yvonne (Roy) Howze of Fairfield, Alabama, Elder Tunisia Billingsley of Birmingham, Alabama, his brother Lawrence (Cynthia) Billingsley of Birmingham, Alabama, his adopted sisters/nieces Veronica Ellison of Fairfield, Alabama and Minister Jackie (Michael) Tucker of Birmingham, Alabama, nine (9) grandchildren, three (3) great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, three (3) God daughters, and friends.

James Billingsley, Sr.

August 6, 1943 - August 18, 2025