Obituary of Carol Billings

Carol "Stink" Billings, 89, of Eau Claire, Michigan, passed away at home on Thursday, May 21, 2015 with his family by his side. Stink was born on October 16, 1925 to the late Arthur and Anita (Clark) Billings in Eau Claire, Michigan. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps when he was a teenager and joined the Army when he was just 16 years old. On August 21, 1948 Stink wed Ruth Fecho and together the two had three children. He worked for Clark Equipment for 27 years retiring in 1979. Stink had a great love for the outdoors. He planted and tended his Christmas trees and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed hosting fish-frys and was a great story-teller. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Otis, Allen, Lynn, and Russell Billings, Bill Firestone, Tom Firestone and two infant brothers; and sisters Verna Jean Wince, Donna Graziano, Alice Knefly and Jean Anderson. Stink is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth; son, Alan Billings of Dowagiac; daughters, Diane (Claude) Atkins of Port Richey, Florida and Deborah (Norbert) Shembarger of Eau Claire, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; brothers, Arthur (Darlene) Billings of Hart, Michigan, Evan (Esther) Billings of Dowagiac, Michigan and Leon Billings, Lawrence, Michigan; and sister, Verda Hansen of New Port Richey, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eau Claire at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers, may do so to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, or Hospice at Home.