Rev. Hurdie Billingslea Jr

Rev. Hurdie Billingslea, Jr. was born April 5, 1933 to Carrie Beatrice Clark Billingslea and Hurdie Billingslea, Sr. in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from East High School, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. While stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, he underwent training in various technical areas and successfully completed courses to be certified as an aircraft engine mechanic. Over the ten year period that he was enlisted with the armed forces, Hurdie's most significant duty assignments included the 60th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and the 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron where he specialized in aviation mechanics. He was awarded several citations including the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal with two bronze knots, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award before receiving an honorable discharge from active duty in 1961. Reverend Billingslea was ordained through the 3rd Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Throughout the course of his ministry, he served as pastor at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Marion, Ohio, Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kenton, Ohio, and St. John A.M.E. Church in Worthington, Ohio. In retirement, he was a member of the Mt. Vernon Avenue A.M.E. Church in Columbus. On the morning of June 21, 2016, at the age of 83, Rev. Hurdie Billingslea, Jr. transitioned into eternal life with The Lord while at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Hurdie Christopher Billingslea, and his sisters Irene Ashurst and Essie Cochran. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ellie Billingslea; daughter Angela Billingslea; son Sean (Karen) Billingslea; adopted daughter DJuana Drew; sisters Mamie Moman and Gloria (Robert) Hunter; 5 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.