John Billington

Mr. John B Joseph Billington, 79, of Statesville, and formerly of Galien, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 30, 2014 at his home. Mr. Billington was born in Five Mile, AR and was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin Billington and LaVerta M. Hawkins Billington. He attended Cleburne County AR schools and on June 12, 1955, he married Betty Joan Osburn, who preceded him in death on December 15, 2010. He was retired from Clark Equipment where he worked as a machinist and was a member of Monticello Baptist Church. John loved to see and spend time with his family and he loved to travel. Since most of his family lived in other areas of the U.S., that allowed John to do both. He also loved to fish especially at his favorite fishing hole, the Harbor Inn Seafood. His loss saddens his entire family and he will be missed. In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Billington was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Buckner and Verneta Snodgrass, two brothers, Thomas Oliver Billington and Otis Billington. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Jacob Billington. He is survived by two sons, Bruce Billington (Teresa) of Statesville and John O. Billington (Deborah) of Galien, MI along with one daughter, Joni Tumbleson (Mark) of Buchanan, MI. He is also survived by two sisters, Lorene Altom of Drasco, AR and Nelda Bailey of Benton Harbor, MI along with eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Billington will be conducted 2:00 PM Friday, June 6, 2014 at Monticello Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Bobby Henderson and Odell Altom officiating. Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Monticello Baptist Church, 3603 Taylorsville Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of John Billington.