David Billings

WEST PARIS — David Lawrence Billings, 76, of West Paris, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, surrounded by his family, after a brief and intense battle with cancer.

David was born in Norway on Aug. 6, 1938, the second oldest of 21 children. David lived in Greenwood and West Paris, before living with foster parents Orrell and Lottie Linnell in Otisfield. David was educated at Fryeburg Academy and gained a strong work ethic from the foster farms he was raised on.

He was a well-respected logger, working for many decades for contractors Maurice Benson and John Cullinan. Later in his career, David split thousands of cords of firewood by hand, working for David Graver. David was also the manager of the West Paris Transfer Station for the past 22 years.

David’s work ethic and pride in his responsibilities could be found in both his work and his hobbies. David enjoyed gardening, planting large gardens of flowers, fruits and vegetables each year, both inside and outside of his home. The bounty of his gardens was often shared with the community. Other passions included cars, dogs and brook fishing at local streams.

Christmas held a special significance for David, who carried on his late wife’s tradition of holding a Christmas Eve party for his grandchildren and other family members. David would meticulously decorate his home and gardens with lights and decorations for the holidays.

David is survived by one son, Kevin Billings of West Paris; two daughters, Karen Cox of Woodstock and Kim Airington of Woodstock; a brother, Eric Wright of Gray; sisters, Gloria Tillson of Belgrade Lakes, Joanne Henderson of West Paris, Jeannette Roakes of Bridgton, Eleanor Ryerson of West Paris, Betty Billings and Gail Billings of Eugene, Ore., Bonnie Billings of Waterford, Debbie Hartford of Rumford and Lillian Herrick of West Paris; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Judith Russell, whom he married on Sept. 3, 1960; his parents, Lawrence and Viola Billings; foster parents, Orrell and Lottie Linnell; brothers, Dale and Wayne Billings; and sisters, Linda Fitzgerald and Jeanne Brown.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Woodstock Seventh-day Adventist Church on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church on Friday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Lloyd Waterhouse officiating. Burial will be in Wayside Cemetery in West Paris.

The family suggests those who wish may donate to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Arrangements by Cliff Gray Cremation & Funeral Services, 60 Andrews Road, Bryant Pond.