NILES - Joseph C. Billey, 87, of Niles went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 10, 2016 following an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease and a brief bout of pneumonia.
Joseph was born in Niles on March 19, 1928 the son of the late Stephen and Anna (Rall) Billey.
On January 17, 1948, Joseph married his teenage sweetheart Trudy L. Crank. They enjoyed 64 wonderful years together until her death on December 26, 2012. Before he was stricken with Alzheimer's disease, Joe was faithful on the 17th day of each month to write his sweetheart a note reminding her of his love for her.
Joe cherished his family and was faithful to pray for them daily. He was a devoted husband, son, son-in-law, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
Joe is survived by a daughter Mary Lou Readshaw of Niles, a son Joseph (Karen) Billey of Niles; seven grandchildren: Alan Shamrock of Niles, John (fiancé Caryn) Shamrock of Niles, Wendy (Travis) Beedy of Elyria, Joseph (Amy) Billey of Las Vegas, NV., Vicki Billey of Austintown, Tammy (Chris) Weaver of Youngstown, and James MacSkimming of Cincinnati; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren with another on the way.
In addition to his parents and his loving wife Trudy, he was preceded in death by a brother John S. Billey, and two sisters Anna E. Billey and Mary Delik.
Joe served in the Merchant Marines and was a proud employee of the Niles Glass Plant (a division of General Electric). He had 43 years of service at the time of his retirement from G.E.
Joe loved life and was full of laughter, he was kind, loving, considerate, forgiving, helpful, generous and self-sacrificing. He was loved and respected by all who knew him; whether it be a co-worker, a neighbor, an employee at a business he frequented or even a stranger. He has even been accused more than once of being a guardian angel.
Joe loved fishing (which included many trips to Canada with family and friends). He treasured time spent with his family. He also loved the time he spent with his church family and friends.
Joe started his Christian Walk serving The Lord at Evansville Baptist Church where he was an usher and a choir member. After moving to Howland, he attended Cortland Trinity Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and choir member. He currently was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Niles.
Calling Hours will be Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Lenny Towle will officiate. Burial will be in Kerr Cemetery.
The family appreciates the kind and compassionate care dad received during the course of his illness by the MVI Hospice care who became our family, the Briarfield Manor in Austintown staff who cared for him during his respite stays and during his last days, both he and our family were loving cared for by Trumbull Memorial Hospital's ER Department, 4th floor staff, ICU staff and the 6th floor staff. Sincere thanks, God bless you as you continue to serve others.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 3695B Boardman Canfield Road, Suite 301, Canfield, Ohio 44406.
Visitation
JAN 14. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)
Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home
126 West Park Avenue
Niles, OH 44446
Funeral
JAN 14. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)
Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home
126 West Park Avenue
Niles, OH 44446
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