Bruce William Billups, 93, of Huntington, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at his home. He was born January 14, 1920, in Cabell County, and graduated from Barboursville High School in 1941. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the United States Army. He retired from Houdaille Industries. He was a sixty year member of Minerva Lodge #13 A.F. & A.M., Barboursville, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Royal Arch Chapter York Rite, Shriner Beni Kedem Temple, Faithful Forty, Fifty year member of Barboursville Chapter #95 Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron ten times, Past Royal Patron of the Order of Amaranth, Faith Court #11. One of his greatest and most meaningful pleasures was driving the Shrine Van taking children to the Shriners Hospital in Lexington, KY and Cincinnati, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ozzie C. Billups Sr. and Gladys Donahoe Billups; brothers, Foster Doc Billups and Ozzie C. Dick Billups Jr.; sister, Martha Billups Winters; his first wife of 53 years, Louise Bowen Billups; second wife Rose Mae Billups; third wife, Claris Childers Billups; grandson, Freddie Billups II; and a stepdaughter, Jane Connloy. He is survived by his loved and devoted son, Fred Billups and daughter-in-law, Sharon Jo Billups; stepdaughters, Ruth Harless, Diane Woofie Gay and beloved Carol Clarke; grandson, David Billups; granddaughter-in-law, Kathy Adkins Gibson; granddaughter and grandson, Melissa Jo and Todd Easthom; stepgranddaughters, Wendy Ellis and Jennifer Wilkinson; stepgrandson, Brian Ellis; great grandsons, Donald Billups III, Kevin Billups, Robert Bruce Easthom and Hunter Easthom; great great grandchildren, Tyler Kent, Cannon Wilkinson, Kaedon and Kaedryonna Billups; nephews, Henry and wife Ellie Billups and family; Jeff and wife Theresa Billups and family; niece, Mary Billups Doherty and family; sister-in-law, Vesta Lawhorn; cousins, Judy Donahoe Mace, Brenda Donahoe Greathouse, Ann Donahoe Ratcliff and her husband Dr. Bruce Ratcliff including all their families, and a host of cousins, extended family, and a multitude of friends. Among all of his wonderful friends, whom the family is grateful for all of their support, love, and prayers. We want to give special thanks to his best friends Gary and Margie Arthur. Among all of his accomplishments, the greatest was that he was a respected and honorable man, the love he gave, his wonderful sense of humor, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. We love you Pop paw. The family also thanks Hospice for all of their care and support. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville. Burial will be in Bowen Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
