Obituary of Clarence Billings Jr.

Clarence Billings, 93, of Bixby, Oklahoma, formally from Harrington, Delaware passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Clarehouse on May 27, 2020 on his 60th Wedding Anniversary. He was born to the late Clarence and Edith Billings. Clarence proudly served his country in the US Army and was commissioned as a Sergeant during the Korean War. He worked for Delmarva Power and Light for 41 years and 5 months as a forestry manager, working his way up to foreman. Clarence also held numerous part-time jobs throughout his life to allow his wife, Audrey, to stay home with the children. These jobs included tree trimming, lawn mowing, working as a valet, as well as working for High Grade Dairy. In his younger years, Clarence’s passion was racing micro midgets with the # 3B. Clarence was very well-known around town, because of his interest in birds, particularly the purple martins, as well as for working on antique furniture and clocks. He was a long-time member of Saint Bernadette’s Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharist Minister and a member of the Harrington American Legion. He also served as a Troop Master for the boy scouts. His leadership made a positive impact on the young men in his troop and he remained life-long friends with many of them. Clarence will be remembered for being the best husband, father, and Pop-Pop. He never met a stranger, making many lasting friendships over his lifetime, often remarking “money can’t buy that!” To all who knew him, he would say two words-"thank you!” He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Audrey Billings; daughter, Doreen Rogers; granddaughter, Kelly Gray; great grandson, Owen N. Klaus; brothers, Hershel, Powell, and Ralph Billings and sister, Thelma Hanson. Clarence is survived by his daughter, Heather Billings (Michelle Willyard); son, Joseph L. Gray (Lily); sister, Audrey Wright; son-in-law, Wayne Rogers; grandchildren, Lorrie Sylvester, Tina Harrington, Lew Harrington (Wendy), Dawn Pusey, Chad Harrington, Deanna Gray, Jordan Klaus (Tanner), Kevin Rogers (Crystal), Kyle Rogers (Patrick Mac); great-grandchildren, Tyler Galbreath, Cody Sylvester, Anna Harrington, Ben Harrington, Miranda Walker, L. B. Harrington, Shane Sylvester, Brett Harrington, Matt Pusey, Mae Harrington, Melea Pusey, Peyton Harrington, Sadie and Addison Klaus, and Liam Rogers; great-great grandchildren, Collin and Beau Galbreath; extended family, Paula, Ilona and Eli Willyard, Jim and Sharon Kirkpatrick. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Clarence’s memory to be made to Clarehouse, 7617 S. Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74133. A Graveside Service will be held at the Hollywood Cemetery in Harrington, DE on Thursday, June 4th, 2020 at 11 am. A visitation will be Wednesday, June 3rd from 5-7pm at the Melvin Funeral Home located at 15522 S. DuPont HWY, Harrington, DE. Due to the recommendations imposed by the CDC and the State of Delaware concerning gatherings, wait times for the visitation may be longer than usual. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express condolences, or send flowers. Local arrangements are in the care of Green Hill Funeral Home. www.greenhillok.com