John Jewel "JJ" Billups

JOHN JEWEL BILLUPS “JJ ”, 88, of Ceredo, left this earth at 11:43 am on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, to join his father, mother, sister, other relatives and friends in Heaven. He was born on July 8, 1928 in Ceredo, WV, to the late John Jewel and Corrine (Gabbert) Billups. He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Lou Ellen Frazier (Paul D) and brother-in-law Frank Plymale. JJ had a love for the town of Ceredo and its people where he was a lifelong resident. He served as the recorder for the town council of Ceredo in earlier years. He graduated from Ceredo-Kenova High School in 1946, attended Marshall University for 3 years, then on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1952 during which time he was presented “Airman of the Month” award for three consecutive months. He then returned to Marshall University, earned a Bachelor’s degree and graduated in 1953. He was employed by Kentucky West Virginia Gas Company as Director of Engineering and retired in 1986. JJ loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Ceredo where he served as a song leader, Sunday school teacher of 50 years, Deacon, and Deacon Emeritus. He also was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Ceredo Crescent Lodge. JJ enjoyed sports, especially C-K High School football games. He was so proud of his three boys who played on “AA” C-K High School championship teams. He served as President of the C-K Football Boosters, was a little league football coach, and a speaker at sports banquets. He also liked golfing, hunting, fishing, spending time with grandchildren around the swimming pool, camping with his wife and boys, and his time at the farm on Big Hurricane Creek. He was a “people person” and never met a stranger that didn’t quickly become his friend. He was a strong family man that always provided for his wife, children, mother, and aunt. JJ was a positive role model for his boys and their families and was blessed with a good sense of humor. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Roma Gail (Hatten) Billups, whom he always referred to as “Romie”; his three sons and daughters-in-law: John Billups, (Leigh) of Ashland Ky; Michael Billups (Jeanette) of Kenova, WV; J D Billups (Rhonda) of Kenova, WV; sister Ruth Plymale of Ceredo, WV; grandchildren Amy Mullins (Steven), Jamie Bishop, John David Billups (Holly), Alexandra Billups, Aaron Billups (Sochill), Allison Kazee (Ryan), Joshua Billups; great-grandchildren Katie Foste, John Ryan Billups, Carder Mullins, Olivia Bishop, Rachel Bishop, Jackson Billups, Elijah Kazee, Blaine Kazee, Harrison Kazee, and Brooks Billups; as well as many nieces and nephews, and his pets Missy and Snowshoe. Visitation services will be held at First Baptist Church of Ceredo on Friday, November 25, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 11am at the church with Pastor Rodney Hale officiating, and burial to follow at Ceredo Crescent Hill Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate the “Wonderful” life of John J. Billups. Rollins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be sent to a Hospice care facility in your local area. Sent from my iPhone