Mr. John Lewis Billingslea, Sr., the son of the late Amos and Betsy Bonner Billingslea was born September 13, 1925 in Chambers County, AL He was the oldest of seven children born to this union.  He departed this life on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Lanier Nursing Home, Valley, AL.

John accepted Christ at an early age and joined the St. John Baptist Church.  He was a faithful and dedicated member, who served on the Deacon Board, Church Treasurer and Sunday School Treasurer.  He was the last Deacon of the Charter Members instrumental in organizing of the St. John Community Baptist Church. 

John was a farmer and textile worker.  He worked long and hard to provide for his family.

John was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mary A. Cumberlander   on August 17, 1947 and to this union eight children were born,.

Those left to rejoice in his memories; a devoted wife, Mary A. Billingslea, Lanett AL; five daughters,, Jarvis Palmer, Lanett, AL; Marion (Willie) Braswell, Fayetteville, GA; Judith(Frederick)Sams, Pittsburgh, PA; Darlene(James)Ford, Fayetteville, GA; Aleatha (Rami) Gibson, Tyrone, GA; three sons, Thermond Billingslea, Lanett, AL; John (Lydia)Billingslea, Jr., Brandywine, MD; Carl Billingslea, Lanett, AL; six brothers, Bob Henry(Luneda) Billingslea, Jim E,. Billingslea, L.C. (Barbara) Billingslea, Charlie Billingslea, Alfred Billingslea, Lanett, AL; one sister, Mary A. Billingslea, Lanett, AL;  one sister-in-law, Yvonne Stanford, Lanett, AL; five brothers-in-law, Earnest (Glaydell)Cumberlander, Columbus, OH; Joseph(Rozzetta)Cumberlander, Rudolph(Lillie)Cumberlander, Indianapolis, IN; Howard(Sandra)Cumberlander, Jr. Schaumburg, IL; Arthur Cumberlander, Lanett, AL; 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.