Samuel James Billingsley

Samuel James Billingsley Sr., son of the late Rev. Eddie James Billingsley and Arlene Billingsley was born on May 28, 1948 in Marion, Alabama where he was the eldest of three brothers; Jerome, Alvin, and Asbury. At the age of 14 years old the professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Mt. Carmal Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He was educated in the Birmingham, Alabama school system but during the Civil Rights movement found it difficult to find equality and a good living in the south. He set his sights on greener pastures and enrolled in the job corps in Cottonwood, Idaho. After job corps he landed an opportunity in Des Moines, Iowa where he was set up on a blind date with his now wife of 55 years. Through this union he and his wife were blessed with three children; Robbilynn, Jason, and Samuel Jr. During the early stages of life the family was afforded a myriad of trips to Minnesota in the family camper trying to fish all of the 10,000 lakes. He and his family loved the great outdoors and all the family time it entailed, but what he enjoyed most was the engagement and connections he made with people along the way. For those who knew him best knew that if you touched a subject of interest of his then you were in for a good conversation as he was truly blessed with the gift of gab.

The three most important things in his life were God, his family and his Citizen Band (CB) Radio. Rather it be a world prayer with his friends from all over the world or simply telling one of his kids or grandkids how proud he was of them he was always willing to talk but if you wanted to warm his heart and tickle his soul all you had to do is say something about Jesus Christ and you had a friend for life.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 55 years Sharon Louise Billingsley; children Robbilynn (Darrell) White, Jason A. Billingsley, and Samuel James (Lisa) Billingsley Jr.; grandchildren Tinaisha, Ebony, Alix, Joshua, Nick, Devin, Justin, and Caleb; great-grandchildren Diagio, Za'Laya, Ariauna, Jayden, Makhai, Kyler, and Devin Lynn.