Obituary of Gordon L. Billings

Gordon L. Billings of 124 N. First St. died Saturday (May 7th, 2011) at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Machias Campus at the age of 87. He was born June 5th, 1923 on Cranberry Rd, Allegany to Frank Llewlyn and Myrtie Miranda Morgan Billings. On September 29, 1945 in Allegany, NY he married Doris Marie Case, who predeceased him on Sept 21st, 2004. Gordie was a lifelong resident of Allegany. He was an active lifetime member of the Five Mile Baptist Church. He was very instrumental in the vision of the new church building on the Five Mile Rd . He was the Construction Supervisor & held many offices through out those years. He also sang in the choir and played the violin. He was one of the 1940's Basketball Team called the Five Mile Field Mice and loved playing on the Five Mile Softball league. He first worked on various farms on the Five Mile: Dunham's, Hitchcock's and Whitney's during the war. Professionally he was a Journeyman of Carpentry. He was a member of the United Brotherhood Carpenters, Local #66, for 69 years. He started his Career with Carl Eck & Son's, and then worked most of his career as a Supervisor for Bradley Builders from 1963 until retirement 1985. A few of the local buildings were The Olean Municipal Building, The Castle, St. Bonaventure, Olean First Baptist Church, The Olean Times Herald, and the rebuilding of the Olean Immanuel Lutheran Church after the fire. He was also well known for his Strawberries, Tomato's & Very Large Vegetables & Flower gardens. In retirement he continued his life long passion of woodworking, cabinet making, antique restorations. Many people were the recipients of the beautiful inlaid wood projects he was so gifted in. He loved his cats Booties I, II, and III; his very special companions during retirement and after the loss of his wife Doris. Surviving are four children; Nancy A. (Stephen B.) Chesebro of Allegany, James D. (Debra M.) Billings of Allegany, Diane M. (Stephen L.) Brown of Hornell and Denise L. (Thomas L.) Gabler of Allegany; eleven grandchildren Stephen (Carrie) Chesebro, Jennifer (Scott) Schultz, Jeff Billings, Jason (Heather) Billings, Jill (Rick) Stady, Kris Brown, Kurk (Stacie) Brown, Kari (Alan) Fritzal, Kraig Brown, Kyle (Abby) Gabler and Kolby Gabler; 15 great grandchildren.. Survived by a Brother, Harold Billings from Girard Pa ;a Sister,Virginia (Bruce) Tiller from Allegany and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2-5 & 7-9pm at the Letro-McIntosh-SPINK-Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Thursday (May 12th) at the Five Mile Baptist Church, Allegany from 9:00 -11:00 am with services at 11:00am. Rev. Michael R Sands, current pastor, and previous Pastor & Friend Rev. (Roy) LeRoy W. Kinney will officiate . Burial will be in Five Mile Cemetery with a Dinner to Follow @ The Five Mile Baptist Church for all to share. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Five Mile Baptist Church.