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William Gaylord Billingsley

William “Gay” Billingsley, 90, formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, died March 13, 2021 at his home in Pemberville, Ohio. He was born the son of William and Cremma (Tullis) Billingsley in East Liverpool, Ohio. After high school he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War as a cryptographer. When he returned from the service, he ran the family business, Billingsley and Son Grocery. He later became the sole owner of Billingsley Foodland until his retirement in 1990. Gay married the love of his life, Dolores V. McCoy in East Liverpool on December 11, 1951 and after 67 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on January 2, 2019.

Gay and Dee loved to travel and took many excursions, including Russia and various places in Europe and the UK. He was an avid fisherman and always enjoyed a good fishing spot. No matter where he went, his favorite fishing spot was on the French River in Ontario, Canada. Gay started going there with his father and later introduced his children and grandsons to the sport, which they all enjoy today. In his younger years Gay enjoyed racing cars and motorcycles.

Gay was involved with many organizations including serving on the board of directors for the Riverview Cemetery, Potters Savings and Loan for over 20 years and as a member and president of the East Liverpool Country Club. He and Dee both valued education and in honor of their 56th wedding anniversary an honorarium scholarship was established through the Tuition Mission Foundation. Gay also enjoyed and was proud to be selected as a member of the DOCA- Defense Orientation Conference Association, which kept him busy traveling the world supporting our military.

Gay is survived by his daughter, Amy (J.P.) Wildman, Curt Billingsley and Jeff Billingsley; grandchildren, Benjamin Wagner, Ethan (Sharon) Wagner and Jacob Wagner; and his namesake great grandson, William Wagner. Gay was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Dolores.

Gay’s family will celebrate his life at a later date. He will be laid to rest next to Dee at the Riverview Cemetery in East Liverpool in a private ceremony. The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Genoa, Ohio is assisting the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials be directed to Otterbein SeniorLife Community, 20311 Pemberville Road, Pemberville, Ohio 43450. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.

3/27/21