Claude Elledge Billings

Claude Billings, Jr age 97 of Wilkesboro, NC passed away on April 7, 2020.

A Graveside Celebration of Life service will be held 1:00 PM, Sunday June 27 at Mt. Lawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Billings was born on August 2, 1922 in Hayes, NC to Claude E Billings and Laura Elledge Billings. He was baptized on his 14th birthday at Mountain View Baptist Church.  He  joined Wilkesboro Baptist Church in 1956 and was elected a deacon three years later. He was later honored with the distinction of Deacon Emeritus.

In 1944 he married the love of his life, Betty Miner before leaving to serve in the Army during World War II. After returning from military service, he ran for Sheriff of Wilkes County, and at the age of 28 he was elected the youngest sheriff in NC and the only Republican sheriff in the state. He served two terms from 1950 to 1958.  He later went into partnership with Ray Stroud at Ray Stroud Insurance.

In 1973 Governor James Holshouser appointed Mr. Billings to the N. C. Board of Transportation where he served until 1977. After the election of Governor James Martin in 1985, Mr. Billings was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation.

Mr. Billings was the epitome of a southern gentleman. His charm and character along with genuine caring for other people made him a joy to be around. When he entered the room, you knew the fun would soon begin. His quick wit and amazing ability to weave a story was pure entertainment for his guests. The Billings’ “Mountain House” was the center of entertainment for family and friends. Those wonderful family gatherings will provide cherished memories.

Mr. Billings was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Betty Miner Billings, sons, Jim Billings and Bill Billings, his grandson, Miles Manship, his parents and sisters: Nelle Woodruff, Hazel Sebastian and Patty Thomasson.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters; Sandra B. Clark (Tony), Kathy Manship-Poarch (Derek), six grandchildren; Cassa M. Fail (Len), Katina M. Barksdale (John), Mason Manship (Toni), Autumn B. Ambrose (Greg), Sheri C. Jenkins, and Chad Clark (Mindy) along with sixteen grandchildren ; Ashlin Edminsten, Nicholas Hanek (Katie), Sidney Lopez (Chris); Elijah, Micah and Anna Marie Manship; Ellis, Finn and Cate Marler Barksdale; Caitlyn and Kiley Cowles, Alyssa Jenkins, Austin and Adalyn Clark, Jessica and Josh Ambrose and four great great-grandchildren; Samuel Clawson, Scotlyn and Grace Hanek and Peyton Lopez. Memorials may be made to Wilkesboro Baptist Church, P.O. Box 61, Wilkesboro, N. C. 28697 

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

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