Frank & Bright Funeral Home

David Billingsley

Feb 1st, 1949 - Mar 16th, 2016

   Dave Billingsley, age 67 – a husband, a father of two, a mentor to many and a friend to all – passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. He grew up and lived in Flora, Illinois for most of his life. He deeply loved life, his family and his community with all his heart. He always had an optimistic view and strived to put a smile on the face of everyone he met. He was always there for anyone in need and was unselfishly willing to offer any assistance he could provide.

   Dave was born on February 1, 1949 and was the first of two children to Ed and Molly Billingsley. After graduating from Flora High School in 1967 he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Master’s Degree from the Illinois State University – Normal. He had a life-long passion for learning and was a teacher at heart. He loved sharing his knowledge and skill with others to help enrich their lives. He served as a Reservist in the National Guard and loved his Country. He and his wife Melissa were long time owners and managers of the Flora Dairy Queen. His employees were all so very special to him. He always had a good time being with them and the customers.

   Throughout his life he had a passion for tennis, photography and music – all of which he shared with the Flora community through his involvement in community plays and coaching the high school tennis teams. He was a life-long member of the Frog Island Tennis Club and proudly carried the member name of Rat-Back-McClure.

   Dave was most at peace when he had a camera in his hand and was out capturing images. It didn’t much matter where he was, he always could find a subject of beauty or interest to take a picture of.  Most of all, Dave loved his soul-mate and wife Melissa Beert with whom he spent the happiest years of his life. He also loved his two sons and grandchildren – with whom he spent countless hours playing with and introducing them to his life-long passions.

   Dave is survived by his wife, Melissa Beert; son Jonathon (Jesteen); grandchildren Reagan, Ava, Rylan, Zaiden, Azaira; parents Ed and Molly Billingsley; aunt Trudy Neubold; brother Rick (Cathy) Billingsley of Mesquite Nevada; nephews Tristan Billingsley of Columbia, Missouri and Chynna (Josiah) Billingsley LoRusso of St Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his youngest son Anthony (Tony) Billingsley.

   A funeral service for David Billingsley will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. 

   The family would like to thank the Flora and surrounding communities for their overwhelming outpouring of support and love during this emotional and tragic time. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Frog Island Tennis in order to help continue Dave’s work with the community tennis activities.