David J. Billings ’60

KENNEBUNKPORT — LtCdr. David J. Billings, USN, Ret., 75, lovingly referred to as the Grand Poobah by his family and a resident of the Mills Road in Cape Porpoise, died on Feb. 21, 2014, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland after a brief illness.

David was born on Oct. 31, 1938, in Westbrook, the son of Ralph B. and Flavilla M. Knight Billings, and is a graduate of Westbrook High School, class of 1957, and Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.

One to always be close to the ocean, Dave joined the U.S. Navy, serving for 23 years all over the world including tours during Vietnam, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Upon his discharge, he returned to Kennebunkport, where he has served as Harbormaster and Pier Manager for 16 years at the Cape Porpoise Pier. He also worked as a commercial fisherman for eight years.

An active mason, Dave was a member, Past Master in 1996 and currently organist of Arundel Lodge #76, AF & AM in Kennebunkport, served as worthy Patron of Aurora #190 OES in Kennebunkport, a life member of Scottish Rite 32o, Valley of Portland, receiving his 33rd degree in Chicago, Maine Consistory, York Rite, Murray Chapter, and St. Amand Commandery #20, serving as RE Grand Commander of Maine in 2001, Council, and was Grand High Priest, and Kora Shrine Temple AAONMS, the York County Shrine Club and it’s degree team.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary E. Billings. Survivors include his son, Thomas Byrne and his wife Martha of Alfred, three daughters, Mary McCormick and her husband Timothy of Jacksonville, Fla., Kathlyn Belanger and her husband Mark of Grafton, Wis., and Beverly Bonness and her husband Greg of Brownsburg, Ind.; a brother, John Billings of Long Island, two sisters, Beverly Libby of Westbrook, and Harriet Mock of Homestead, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Kelly and Ryan McCormick of Jacksonville, Fla., Kasia and Hannah Bellanger of Grafton, Wis., Ashley, Courtney and Shane Bonness of Brownsburg, Ind.; a special friend, Lynne Jackson; and his dog and faithful companion, Angel.

Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, and a Masonic memorial service at 7 p.m., at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, at South Congregational Church, 2 North St., Kennebunkport, with the Revs Peter Lagasse and Charles Whiston officiating. A parking lot shuttle will run from the Fire Station Parking Lot on North Street to the church. Interment with military honors will be held in the spring at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Springvale. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.

Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to:
The Masonic Learning Center
for Children, (dyslexia)
1903 Congress St.
Portland, Maine 04102-4949