Mr. Fred Billingsley Jr.

Fred Billingsley Jr. was born on February 3, 1938, to the union of Jessie Mae (Clark) Billingsley Sr. and Fred Billingsley Sr. in Bibb County, Alabama, affectionately known to his family as June. Fred received his education from the Bibb County School system. After graduating high school, Fred packed up his belongings and headed north. He made several stops before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he met the love of his life, Jerrie Deon McMillian, on October 1, 1970, at a masquerade ball. Fred married the love of his life on April 1, 1977, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; their union was blessed with their only beloved child Cheulanda R. Billingsley who Fred affectionately called Chell . Fred was a dapper young man, always wanting to look his best, no matter where he was. Fred loved wearing his hats; dress hats and baseball caps were his favorite, and when he traveled, he always made sure to add a new hat to his collection. For some, Fred may have come across as shy and soft spoken, but he was furious as any lion when protecting his family. Fred always enjoyed spending time with those he loved and cared about . Fred was always willing to help you, by giving someone a ride, helping someone move, or being there as someone to talk to or just being a listening ear, Fred was there for you; he never criticized or passed judgment on anyone. Fred was a strong-willed, loving, caring, spiritual, and honest man. Many of you may not know Fred loved to dance, or at least he loved to try and dance; he even tried to sing sometimes. Fred was a very hard-working man and always kept a job, starting his work career at A.O. Smith and retired from Pfister and Vogel in 1996 when his health began declining, but that did not stop him from working. He continued doing odd jobs and could always be seen around town transporting someone. Fred retired a second time from his most recent job in March 2023 at Goodwill delivering Meals on Wheels. In 1996, Fred got sick and had several surgeries requiring him to spend a lot of time in ICU, The family didn't think he would fully recover, but never once did he let anything he was going through destroy his spirit. He fought with everything he had. determined not to let his illness get the best of him. That experience taught us how much of a fighter Fred was. Fred was determined to fully recover and be self-sufficient again n matter how hard he had to fight. Fred came out of it stronger and more determined than ever. Mr Independent is what he was called. This experience motivated Fred to give his renewed life to God. In 1999, he became an official member and Deacon of El Bethel C.O.G.I.C.; where he remained a faithful and active member until his death. Fred loved his church, his church family, and his Pastor. Waiting to greet Fred at the gates of Heaven are his buddies Ernest who likely had a seat waiting to catch Fred up on all the latest gossip, and his buddies Wayne and John with some good ole conversation about the numbers with a ticket in hand for him. His brothers-in-law, Phillip and Johnny, who we are sure are glad to have their card buddy back with them so they can argue and be laughing in the next two seconds because Johnny is cheating. Preceding Fred in death are his parents, Jessie Mae (Clark) Billingsley and Fred Billingsley Sr.; his loving wife, Jerrie Dean Billingsley; Siblings Joseph Billingsley, Barbara Billingsley, Richard Billingsley, and Christine Haskell. Fred leaves to cherish his memory his Daughters; Judy Faye Jeffries, Belinda Bray, and Cheulanda R. Billingsley. Granddaughters; Tequila, Tamisha, Lamara, Belinda, & Sheniqua. Grandsons; Lamar & Anthony. Siblings; Brother Frankie (Nancy) Billingsley of Fort Wayne, IN. Sisters; Shirley Hernton Billingsley, Glenn (Maurice) Richardson, and Beverly Billingsley of Indianapolis, IN. Valerie (Earl) Sutton, of Bridgeport, CT. Sister In-law, Mary Owens of Akron, OH. Sister-in-Iaws Emma Hayes of Los Angeles, CA, Dorothy Gregory of Milwaukee, WI; Jessie McMillian of Riverside, CA. Nute McMillian of Brooklyn, NY, Isaac McMillian of McMillian of Milwaukee, WI. Goddaughter Jennefir Gregory- Carr, godsons; Steven Gregory and Cedric McMillian, bonus grandchildren, Fred raised from birth Kyra Carr and Kyeshia Carr, His caregiver and longtime close family friend Romaine Allen. His longtime barber & buddy, Andre Holmon; who Fred referred to as (Ray). A host of great-grandchildren, great great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Fred Billingsley Jr.

February 3, 1938 - June 11, 2023