Jerry L. Billingsley

Jerry L. Billingsley, age 78 years, a resident of the Buncombe community, passed away Friday morning, July 24, 2026, at 9:20 A.M. at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Jerry’s passing occurred one day prior to his 79th birthday. He was born July 25, 1947 in Carbondale, Illinois. Jerry was the son of Kent and Louise (Dalton) Billingsley. On February 5, 1972, Jerry was united in marriage to Janet Anderson in Jonesboro, Illinois. She survives. In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by: a son – Jason Billingsley of Buncombe, Illinois; 2 nephews – Ken (Patty Harrah) Taylor of Georgetown, Texas and James Robinson of Marion, Illinois; a niece – Karol (Wes) Shaffer of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; as well as other relatives, neighbors and friends. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by: his sister – Sally Jo Billingsley; Janet’s siblings and their spouses – Bill and Esther Anderson, Delores and Gene Taylor, and Delonda and Lewis Robinson; and a nephew – Steve Taylor. Jerry was a 1965 graduate of Vienna High School. From 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1972, Jerry served in the United States Army. While stationed in various locations throughout the world, Jerry’s assignments were primarily in the fields of security and surveillance during the Vietnam War. Following his discharge, Jerry affiliated with the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 in Vienna. Jerry received his training and certification by attending electronics school in Paducah, Kentucky. He was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local # 702. He began his career as a lineman and retired in July 2010 as a superintendent for Oil Field Electric Company. Jerry loved the land and farming. He maintained the family farm located near Buncombe which was acquired by the Billingsley family prior to Illinois statehood in 1818. The farm has continuously been owned and operated by the family. Jerry is fondly remembered by all who knew him for his friendly demeanor, kind spirit, quick smile, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A service honoring the life of Jerry Billingsley will be conducted Wednesday morning, July 29, 2026, at 11 A.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Jay Franklin will officiate. Burial will be in Busby Chapel Cemetery, south of Goreville. Military graveside rites will be accorded. Serving as pallbearers will be: Steve Jones, James Robinson, Jason Grant, Brent Gossett, Allen Stout, Alex Stout, and Ken Taylor. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, July 28, 2026, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation Wednesday morning, July 29, 2026, from 10 A.M. until the service hour at 11 A.M. also at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Jerry L. Billingsley

July 25, 1947 - July 24, 2026