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Byrd Billings Obituary
09/23/1942 - 07/09/2009
MELANIE ANNE BILLINGS
09/12/1965 - 07/09/2009
Bud and Melanie are proceded in death by Kathleen Billings (Bud's mother), Byrd Billings (Bud's father) Elizabeth Engstrom (Melanie's mother).
They leave behind many heartbroken children, Ashley and Blue Markham, Melissa and Tom McClure, Mike, Justin, Kristyn, Adrianna, Jacob, Ricky, Matthew, Princess Tori Beth, Nicholas, Princess Katie, Ethan, daddy's heart, Princess Emma, and a new grandson who they did not get the chance to meet, Forest John McClure. Other family include, Ed and Sandy Brock (Melanie's father and stepmother) Ed and Shannon Brock (Melanie's brother and sister-in-law) Chris Brock (Melanie's brother), Rick and Julie Tittle (Melanie's sister and brother-in-law) and Angel and Allister Adkinson (Melanie's sister and brother- in-law). Also Judy and Bobby Sission ( Bud's sister and brother-in-law). Other special family includes April Spencer, Carla Ard (the twin sister) Robert, Morgan and Olivia Dazey, Cline and Lori Breland, Joey Breland, Brock Tittle, Grayson Westmoreland, Anna Brock, Judy Sisson, Jennifer Sission and Chris Sisson. There is a host of other cousins, relatives and very, very special friends. Everyone Bud and Melanie ever met was special to them in some way!!
A celebration of their lives and their love will be 11:00 AM Friday, July 17, 2009 at Liberty Church with a funeral procession to Pensacola Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 16, 2009 from 5pm-8pm at Liberty Church.
A special thank-you to the Escambia County Sheriff's Department and to the community for all the love and support. Our parents would be so full of joy to see the love and caring given to our family.
Mommy and Daddy, rest peacefully and give us the strength to make it through until the day we are reunited with you. Give our brothers and sister in heaven a BIG hug and kiss from all of us!!!
In lieu of flowers, a fund will be established at a later date in memory of Bud and Melanie for their nine children who lived with them. Fund information will be available at pmgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Byrd Billings
DJ Maynard
March 31, 2025
Your children will be forever grateful for your love. Rest in eternal peace.
Kevin Kraus
November 5, 2009
My mom taught Justin at St. Johns Military School were I enjoyed hanging out with all the boy's, including Justin.
Carter P
July 29, 2009
May God give you courage and strength to continue and create your own legacy in your parents memory. May your memories of them dry your tears and strengthen your hearts. I wish I had had the oportunity to have met these two beautiful people.
July 28, 2009
We are so saddened and sick at heart with the loss of our friend of 30 years (back from Greenville days). Even though miles apart, we have kept in touch through the years with each other, shared laughter and memories and renewed friendship. We offer our prayers for the entire Billings family. May God allow you to feel his arms around you as you deal with the deep hurt of losing your mommy and daddy. We shall also miss them. Chick and Nancy Scheiderman, Marks, Mississippi
July 22, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. God will give you great strenght Ashley, just take comfort in knowing that he is walking right beside you holding your hand every step of the way. My prayers are with you.
Rhonda Pensacola, Florida
Caroline Mavridis
July 22, 2009
We are truly sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers
Helen Rivas
July 21, 2009
Deepest sympathy to the children and other family for this terrible loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Adrien Lamarre
July 21, 2009
I met "Bud" about 15-years ago, he impressed me with his friendlyness and smile, I liked him right off the bat. I'm so sorry for this turn of events.
Mary sturges
July 20, 2009
May God bless all of you. May your parents rest in peace and watch over all of you. Thoughts and prayers for all of you today and forever more.
Ellen, Joshua, and Heather Timo
July 19, 2009
Ashley,
Our deepest condolence to you and your siblings. If you ever need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call. 748-8496
Cyndi G
July 19, 2009
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
God Bless,
Cyndi
Joyce Fledderjohann
July 19, 2009
I always enjoyed hearing from this family whenever they posted on the multiples down site! What a special couple to reach out and help all of those special needs kids! I am Joyce, mother of 7 kids and three of those have down syndrome. I thank God for them! They have so much love to give and they teach us every single day how to love each other more. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. Thanks Melanie and Byrd for your living testimony of love! May Jesus Christ be exalted through all that you've been and all that you've done! We will miss hearing from you! But, I look forward to meeting you in Heaven one glorious day!
Through Christ's Grace and Glory!
Joyce Fledderjohann
Stacy H
July 19, 2009
I was a member of an online group of moms who have multiple children with Down Syndrome with Melanie. I have five children with my last two having Down Syndrome. It saddens me of their untimely death. I have kept the entire family in my prayers and hope that God has bigger and better plans for your family and will comfort you greatly in this time of loss.
Miriam Shutes
July 19, 2009
Although I never knew about these wonderful people, my heart goes out to the family during this time. God planted a seed, they saw the need and fulfilled it. Surely, life was enriched on Earth as they were helping to raise their family. God bless the family and give them peace during this time of bereavement!
Mery Low
July 19, 2009
May you both rest in peace knowing that your work here is done. I never met you but felt a strong bond with you through our Down Syndrome multiples group online as I have 4 special needs kids that I adopted, 2 with DS. I Pray for your children and there comfort during this trying time. I pray for your family and friends who will carry on your Legacy. May everyone who knew and loved you feel Peace and Love.
eileen wilson
July 19, 2009
I had a baby 9 years ago who we knew in advance was going to be special, and was thrown in to an online world of THE most wonderful moms in the universe.
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They shared, uplifted, and saved my life. melanieBBB was among them, and I will forever credit her with being one of a chosen few who allowed me to celebrate this birth, instead of being afraid. Her love of life and children was felt across the miles.
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I hope you know the impact she had on families across the country...and can feel the healing of all the prayers we are offering up for her and her family.
I am so sorry, confused, and heartbroken over the way they left..but am comforted in knowing that they are in Heaven tending to our children there... in preparation for our own arrivals.
We Pray for Peace,
Michelle McCarthy
July 19, 2009
I cannot imagine the pain that you all must be going through. Byrd and Melanie must have been amazing people with a huge amount of unconditional love. My deepest condolences go out to all who knew the Billings family.
Sherrill Lomastro
July 19, 2009
My sincerest condolences for you loss. My prayers are with the family and friends of this wonderful couple who did so much good in the world. I was an online friend of Melanie's, as I have adopted several sp needs children as well. I am heartbroken by this tragedy. I pray for your strength and peace.
Sherrill Lomastro - Maine
Teresa Sudmeier
July 19, 2009
My condolences to the Billings family. Byrd and Melanie are well known to families who have adopted Kids with down syndrome.I am a single mom in Ca.and I adopted two girls with down syndrome who are my joy,hope,and all my love.My girls and I pray for the family.
Mel Corley
July 19, 2009
Please know that people are praying all over the world for your wonderful family in this time of grief. God Bless All of You. Thank you Ashley for being the spokesperson for your family. I know that this must of been a very hard time for you. My sister says that she remembers you from Middle School. May God be with all of you at this time.
The Corley Family
Sr. Barbara Smithhisler
July 18, 2009
To all the Family and Friends of Byrd
and Melanie Billings,
What an awesome couple Byrd and Melanie
were and wonderful parents too. I know
all of you are receiving prayers and
sympathy from people all over the
world, and I hope this quote of Pope
John Paul II will help console you
too; "When God gives live it is forever." May you all walk with each
other down golden streets in the new
Jerusalem when you will be enjoying
your eternal destiny.
Lisa Brooks
July 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God Bless you and provide you with comfort, peace and understanding.
Bill Gautreau
July 18, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to you Ed and all of the family.....especially the children of Byrd and Melanie. May they rest in peace and justice be served.
Bill Gautreau
Beach High Key Club 1978 - 1979
Class of 1979
[email protected]
Regina Marek
July 18, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Anna Knapp
July 18, 2009
Words can't even come close to the loss of Bud & Melanie. Although it has been a little time since I've spoke with them, I was there when they first got Justin. Ashley, you & Justin have been taught unconditionly how to love. It's a special kind of love that makes all of the Billings family & Brock family, come togeather as one to finish the "Legacy" that your Mom & Dad set out to do. I know August 1st will be one year since you guys lost Nikki & that was a tremendous loss of it's own, & for this to happen now makes this year even harder. But just look to God, family & friends for comfort, help & know Melanie & Bud are proud of how strong you have & will continue to be. Take care of yourselves & those precious children & Ashley, you are as beautiful & strong just like your Mom. I know because I knew you guys.
With love to all,
Anna Knapp
457-2170 anytime I can help or if you just need someone to talk to
Sandy Baskeyfield-Knight
July 18, 2009
I am a former Pensacolian, having moved to East Tennessee ten years ago. I have a 32 year old disabled son that lives at home with me and he is one of the greatest gifts that God has ever given me. My love and deepest sorror go out this family in this senseles tragic loss. I pray that you will be able to carry on with your parents legacy and provide for these special needs children. I hope that justice will be served to the fullest degree even though that will not bring these two wonderfull loving people home again. But there will be a day that you shall all be together again. Anything I can do to help, I will. My husband was killed in a car accident 5 years ago and he also is buried at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. I will pray for you all and visit their graves when I come to Pensacola. With my very deepest condolences.
July 18, 2009
My heart goes out to the Billings family....I pray that you will find strength in the Lord for He is the only one who can heal and comfort you. Know that God Will take care of you.
Michele's Ladies Apparel, Pensacola, Fl
Natalie Stevens
July 18, 2009
The memory of the wonderful people Melanie and Bud were will live on in all our hearts. Across the country, we have come to know about their tremendous lives helping children. They were a unique couple, which makes this loss all the more tragic. God be with the Billings and Brock families.
Mac
July 18, 2009
My condolences to the Billings and Brock families. So many thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time. God bless you and keep you strong.
Grace Morris
July 18, 2009
A nation grieves with you.
Re"Gina" Sluss
July 18, 2009
The Billings Family,
Hello! My name is Gina Sluss. I live in Virginia. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mel, well.
My oldest son, Glen has Down Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and 6 years remission from AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). My youngest son, Eric has Autism also!
Mel, would always lend a great ear, and a comfy shoulder when I needed it. I will for sure miss her, she was so full of great information!
Mel, and I met on an AOL Group called, "Angels With Downs" I was the owner of the group for almost a year, I lost my internet connection one time, but we stayed in contact with each other.
Please know Billings Kiddos that I will always say a prayer to each of you. I am on facebook, Myspace. Mel, and I were "friends" on facebook. Please someone keep in touch and provide details on how the kiddos are! [email protected] or Regina Ciotti-Sluss. (Not soon, but keep updated)
Will be saying prayers forever for the Billings Kiddos and family!
Hugs, and with love,
Re"Gina" Sluss
Amanda Wright & London Parker
July 18, 2009
My condolences go out to the Billings family. We have truly been touched by this in our community. I cannot imagine the hurt and pain that you are feeling. Think of all the wonderful times you have shared with them and know that one day you will see them again. God bless your family and those beautiful children!
Cindy B
July 18, 2009
Melanie's deep love for all of her children, and Bud, always shone through every email she wrote over the 7 years I was privileged to "chat" with her in LAFF. I'm so sorry for your deep loss. We've been praying for you all.
CindyB
Jean Bowles
July 17, 2009
Ashley, I have loved you since the day that you were born. My heart aches for you loss, as I know the pain of loosing a mother. Please know that you are still loved and I am always here if you ever need a shoulder and a friend. My heart also aches for Julie, Eddie, Chris and Ed... as all of you are very much loved by me and always have been.. Please know that this part of the family is always here for you. May the strength of God be with you through this transition of your lives with Melanie and Bud in heaven... They will always be living in your hearts and also in mine.
.
Writing this message to you with much love.
Aunt Jean B
Diane Bloom
July 17, 2009
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO ALL OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF BYRD AND MELANIE. ASHLEY I HAVE WATCHED THE MEDIA AND PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND ALONG WITH ALL YOUR SIBLINGS MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU THOUGH THE EYES OF YOUR SIBLINGS YOUR PARENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE WITH YOU THOSE WONDERFUL SMALL MIRACLES THAT ARE TAKEN FORGRATED EVERY DAY I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS THAT GOD WILL HEAL YOU AND EASE THE PAIN god be with you Diane
Mary Newcomer
July 17, 2009
My very deepest sympathy to the Billings family. I have been deeply touched by your loss of such wonderful parents. May God wrap his arms around you and give you strength at this difficult time. My prayers are thoughts are with you.
Terry Reasonover
July 17, 2009
There are no words to express the feelings that I have in my heart for you and your family. God Bless you and keep you and all the children.
Terry, South Padre Island, Texas
Mary Santos
July 17, 2009
I am very sorry about your loss. I knew Melanie from being on a special needs support group. I adopted a little girl with ds. Melanie always had good ideas backed with real love. She was such a sweet, supportive person. She will be missed
Mary Santos
Colorado
Karl G. Stanfield II
July 17, 2009
My heart goes out to your family during your time of sorrow, May you remember the good times you had with them and reflect on the wonderful lives they lived and the children they so loved. God Bless You
tammy miller
July 17, 2009
Dear Melissa BILLINGS
God rest your souls Melanie and Byrd
My heart goes out to the Family of these wonderful souls..Their deaths were tragic and uncalled for..I pray for all the children..It takes very special people to take on the children and provide for them,,. Continue on with your parents' "Legacy", and know that they would want the "Legacy" to continue.
your father was there when i need him Melissa your dad and mom going to be miss please call me 757-358-3210 tammy
Kiersten Newby
July 17, 2009
I am so very sorry for the loss of these wonderful people. I was on a support list with Melanie and was just shocked to hear this. I have 3 children, one with Down Syndrome. These children are in my prayers.
Cindy Wilkerson
July 17, 2009
I'm very sorry for your lost. I will be praying for you.
Sandy Crespo
July 17, 2009
My heart goes out to you and your Families. May your Children find peace and Happiness and Stregnth during this tough time in their lives. God Bless you Byrd and Melanie, from what I read you were very good people with big Hearts to share. Rest in Peace...
Sandy Crespo
Tampa
Ann Kelly
July 17, 2009
I have no words to express my sorrow for your loss, except to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Donna Vincent
July 17, 2009
May god bless you and your family. You have made so many dreams come true. May your family be strong and continue the love and generosity that has been shown to all of the children, friends and family.Im sure all of the people that supported your ideas are proud of you and all of the good wills that you believed in and showed everyone.
Julie Dinkins-Borkowski
July 17, 2009
Native American (Hopi) Prayer
I give you this one thought to keep,
I am with you still.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone.
I am with you still,
in each new dawn.
Pamela Picard
July 17, 2009
May the angels lead you into paradise.
God bless you and your family. We are all praying for you....
July 17, 2009
Our hearts break for your precious family. You all are and will remain in our prayers. May God bless you with peace that passes all understanding. We love you!
Jeff, Ginger, and Brooke Duren
Suzette Barnes
July 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Heaven has welcomed 2 new Angels. May God give your family strength and continue to watch over the many lives they touched.
Julie Dinkins-Borkowski
July 17, 2009
God rest your souls Melanie and Byrd. We have never met, but your lives have touched my soul in so many ways. Praying for Peace and strength for your children and praying that you can watch over them for the rest of their days. Heaven has two new shining stars. God bless you and your family.
Lisa Austin
July 17, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to your family. I pray for your family every day and ask God to wrap his loving arms around all of you. To keep you strong through out this tough time. Your parents were special people and will have many stars in their crowns.
Wendy Matos
July 17, 2009
My thought and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow, praying for God's peace and grace.
Marian Love
July 17, 2009
Julie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I've been keeping up with the news on TV and through our Bramlett friends. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during these trying times.
The Coleman Family
July 17, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow and to give you strenght.
July 17, 2009
To ALL of the Billings children: None of us will have the words to tell you how special your parents were, for they were beyond special people. The love that they had for each and every one of you was evident in the way they lived, they way they loved, they way they spoke of each of you.
I never had the pleasure of meeting either of your parents, but 'knew' Melanie well through her wonderful words, and advice that she was so good at helping with. We knew her deepest pain and heartache and her greatest joy.
We would laugh at her being a self-admitted "Baby hog" who was always looking out for another beautiful little one to adopt and to share her heart with. Because Melanie and Bud had hearts bigger than anyone, they HAD to share their love with all of you. This was their mission, their legacy.
There are many of us who have adopted angels with Down syndrome, and your mom was always there to help with advice. When word hit the news of this terrible tragedy, our boards lit up with NOT OUR MELANIE! When we realized it WAS OUR Melanie...the tears flowed from many of us, and we are still in deep shock.
Our love and admiration for your family is deep. Our admiration for you, Ashley, to carry on your mom and dad's legacy is beyond admiration! We are astounded by your grace and maturity, and we are committed to surrounding you in prayer, as you deal with so many things at once.
May you all find God's grace and Peace during this terrible time of tragedy. We truly love you all, and are deeply sorry for your horrible loss.
God Bless each one of you...
Dori Walker
Sandy Heckt
July 17, 2009
My heart goes out to the Family of these wonderful souls..Their deaths were tragic and uncalled for..I pray for all the children..It takes very special people to take on the children and provide for them,,God knows the Billinges souls were pure and loving..God rest their souls and their reward will be in heaven,,
DENISE WHITFIELD
July 17, 2009
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL,AT THIS TIME. I MEET MELANIE AND THE CHILDREN YEARS AGO,IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE KNOWN THEM.MAY GOD HELP YOU ALL AT THIS TIME, AND HELP THOSE KEEP THE CHILDREN TOGETHER.WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS TO HAVE THE SHERRIF'S DEPARTMENT HELP BRING SOME CLOSUER AT THIS TIME,MAY GOD TRUELY BE WITH YOU ALL.
Jennifer & Jeff Rogers
July 17, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
TIMOTHY CUNNEEN
July 17, 2009
I was fortunate enough to meet Melanie's brother Chris in February of this year in Louisiana where he lives,I went there with my best friend Cary Sprague to do some work in a house his boss was building.We were there for two weeks and Chris opened his house too us for a place to stay while we were there.I remember seeing all the pictures of the Family in his house and he told me about his sister and all the Children she and Byrd had adopted and what Great People they both were.My friend Cary has known Melanie and Chris 30 years and I'm glad I got to meet him. Thank You Chris for your Hospitality. A Friend in need is a Friend indeed, I'm here for you and I feel for you and your Family,My Prayers Are With You All.
Llisa and Aidan Jones-Arant
July 17, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of your family. We have never met but as local folk we just want you to know the whole community grieves with you for the loss of your Parents. May God Bless All of You. We will continue to support you in prayer.
Ashley Sluder
July 16, 2009
Ashley & Blue, We send our deepest sympathy in your loss. Losing a parent is the hardest thing anyone could go through. We wish you the best of luck in fulfilling the enormous shoes your parents have left you. We only met Melanie and Bud once, but it was enough to know what great people they are. If you ever need anyhing Dak and I are here for the both of you!
ROY & WILMA WHITE
July 16, 2009
CONSOLING THOUGHTS:
When I am in desolation of spirit, when all who are dear to me have passed away like summer flowers and none are left to love me and care for me, whisper to my troubled soul-- that there is one Friend who dies not---one whose love never changes--JESUS ON THE ALTAR. WHEN SORROWS THICKEN AND CRUSH ME WITH THEIR BURDEN, WHEN I LOOK IN VAIN FOR COMFORT, LET ME REMEMBER YOUR WORDS: Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will refresh you.": YOUR FRIENDSHIP, DEAR LORD, HENCEFORTH SHALL BE THE DEAREST TREASURE I POSSESS. IT SHALL BE MY CONSOLATION WHEN ALL WHO HOLD A PLACE IN MY HEART ARE GONE FROM THIS EARTH! With Your friendship, the world shall never be dreary and life never without charm. Would that I could realize the pure happiness of possessing YOUR sympathy & compassion. When I am crushed and weary, when the hope I have lived for has gone, when sorrows and trials that I dare not reveal to any make my soul sink almost unto death, when I look in vain for someone to understand me, one who will enter into my miseries, make me then remember that there is Someone who knows every fiber of my heart, every sorrow, every pain special to my peculiar nature, and who deeply sympathizes with me. Compassionate Jesus! When shared with YOU, the cross becomes lighter,and in Your Heart I find rest and strength.
Taken from the Catholic Devotional,
We pray that this will give you strength to face each new challenge in life. "LOVE one another as I have loved you".
IN CHRIST NAME WE PRAY, THAT GOD BLESSES YOU AND YOURS,WITH COMFORT,FAITH, HOPE & LOVE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.
WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND LOVE, YOUR NEIGHBORS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Raynard & Willette (native of Pensacola) Graham
July 16, 2009
To the Billings Family:
We are deeply sadden by the loss of your loved ones, and our prayers and hearts go out to your family during this time and forever more. May God bless and keep each and every one of you. Continue on with your parents' "Legacy", and know that they would want the "Legacy" to continue.
Sending our heartfelt condolences and sympathy from afar....
Tracey Pierce-Glasgow
July 16, 2009
I knew Mr.Bud a long time ago though his son John,They were the nices people you would ever meet,Melanie was very nice,my prayers are with the family,I know how hard it is to lose a parent,My heart goes out to Ashley and family,May God bless you and keep..
Michael & Maggie Christiansen
July 16, 2009
Ashley and the rest of the Billings Family,
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words to take away the grief that you all must be feeling. Please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of people all over the world. While we went to school with you and Blue our paths didn't really cross but just knowing of your positive and heartwarming presence, I can only imagine what joyful, wonderful people your parents were and we've seen that in the generosity and compassion in the stories we have been hearing of them. I know your family is capable of carrying on the legacy they left behind.
Tonya Rice
July 16, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope you will find comfort in special family memories.
God bless all of you.
Tammy
July 16, 2009
I didn't know any of the Billings family, but I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who has been touched by this tragedy. Good people who give of themselves so freely are truly hard to find in this world. From what I have learned about Melanie and Bud, they were true givers of the heart. I pray that they are at peace now that they have been reunited in heaven with three of their children. I am sure that Ashley will make her parents very proud as she seeks to fulfill their legacy. May God bless and keep close the family members who remain here on earth.
MEMBERS OF KINTZ /VAUGHN/ (FAMILY)
July 16, 2009
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009
I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF MY EXTENDED FAMILY. ALL OF OUR HEARTS WERE HEAVY WITH PAIN AND SORROW AT THE LOSS OF SUCH LOVING AND DEVOTED PARENTS THAT WERE ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDES.THEY WILL BE MISSED ON THIS EARTH BUT TO KNOW THEY ARE IN HEAVEN AND WILL BE WATCHING OVER THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. WE LIVED IN BEULAH FOR MANY YEARS AND MY CHILDREN ATTENDED SCHOOL THERE, WERE IN SCOUTS AND ALOT OF OTHER ACTIVITIES SO WE KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL MISS BOTH OF "MELANIE & BRYD" ALWAYS REMEMBER THEY WILL LOVE AND WATCH OVER YOU ALWAYS."GOD" IS IN YOUR LIVES AND IN HEARTS HE WILL PROTECT EACH OF YOU. THEY WILL BE MISSED EACH AND EVERYDAY.
Cindi Conner
July 16, 2009
I was so saddened when I heard the news on tv. This world has lost two earth angels. I have a special needs son, so this tragedy really touched my heart. Your family will always be in my heart, and prayers. May GOD give you the strength you need to get through this. Blessings Always.
Theresa Shipman
July 16, 2009
They were truly "Angels in our Mist", Lord comfort the family in their time of needs. God Bless you all! The Shipman Family (Pensacola, Florida)
Melanie Skaggs
July 16, 2009
Ashley I am so sorry for your loss and cannot begin to understand your pain. Always know I am here for you if you need me. My Katie and you have been side by side for many years; in good & bad times. True friendships are like that.....you hold tight thru the good and bad! Always know our family will be here for you. God Bless You & Yours and know that I am praying for you each day as you move through these hard times.
July 16, 2009
I would like to offer my condolences and sympathy to the family. I will pray for your family. Your dad sold me my first car. I will think of your family often.
July 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone one of the Billings family. It has been I just saw Melanie a couple of weeks ago had a nice chat with her at the grocery store. This is a sad day for everyone that their hearts touched in some way.
July 16, 2009
Our many thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that they in the presents of our Lord. The Lord will comfort you and give you strenth.
Kim Mathes Cheney
July 16, 2009
My father passed away 5 weeks ago today. The loss of a parent is completley devastating and I am so sorry. I can only imagine what your family is going through. I had a special poem that I put in my dad's obituary. I read it daily and it helps me.
It seemed very approriate for your parents and I wanted to share it with you.
Even in sadness, you must feel pride in the legacy left by someone so special. That spirit will continue to shine, lighting the way for others, leaving all of us an example to follow and a remarkable life to remember with grateful hearts.
Dixie
July 16, 2009
To Melanie and Bud, the wonderful, loving parents of "Team Billings". I will miss your smiling faces on the bleachers at our games and I will watch out for your little ballplayers. It was an honor to know you.. however breifly.
Karin
July 16, 2009
We have your family in our thoughts and prayers. We have also adopted a special needs child, and share the love and joy that you receive from these special children of God. Thank you for your special family. Our hearts go out to you.
Todd, Karin and Hannah
Rejeana Power
July 16, 2009
As a colleague of Julie Tittle's, I cannot convey to you just how deeply we grieve for your loss. Please know that Bud and Melanie have touched our lives as they loved children that others couldn't. To Julie, the family and all the children, we are holding you close in our prayers.
Rejeana Power
Melonee Shields & Chris Black
July 16, 2009
Bud and Melanie: a precious couple, loving parents, always smiling, always ready with a warm reception, Earth's angels...now Heaven's. I always admired them for their courage to do what so many of us don't--they sacrificed so much for so many--and because they did their rewards were abundant here on earth, with all those little eyes filled with so much love behind all those little smiles. Wow! They 'really' lived! I thank God for giving my family the chance to become acquainted with Bud, Melanie, Justin, Ashley, and Family. May God Bless the family at this time and bring peace to your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
VALERIE N THOMAS VALENTINE
July 16, 2009
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. YOUR DAD AND MOM ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE. YOUR DAD SOLD US OUR FIRST CAR, IT WAS VERY SPECIAL TO US. HE WAS ALWAYS KIND CONSIDERATE AND SO VERY PROUD OF HIS FAMILY. THE LOVE IN HIS EYES FOR YOUR MOM AND HIS KIDS. I THANK THE LORD FOR AN OPPERTUNITY TO KNOW HIM.
MD
July 16, 2009
It is a shame that this happened to such a beautiful couple. May God put all of this family in his grasp and protect them, as well as bring them peace.
God bless you all!
July 16, 2009
There are no other words to say, they have all been said..just know everyone is praying for all of you. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you.No words can measure the sorrow.
Linda Donovan
July 16, 2009
To the family,Our hearts are with you,I didnt have to know you to know what kind of people you are!!!Gods Speed Linda and Noah
Kim Bryson (Hyde)
July 16, 2009
Ashley and Family,
We went to high school together but haven't really crossed paths since. Please know that I've thought of you and your family every day and pray for your strength. Your family are the true heroes in this world and will never be forgotten. We are all here for you!
Ann Logansport Cole
July 16, 2009
The words are all said and 2 friends are gone, one known for 33 yrs and one for 21 yrs. I am going to miss them so much. Melanie was a beautiful person.
Ashley we watched you grow up and it shows the love you had . we love you girl. It is your turn to blow kisses to heaven like Melanie did so many times to Bailey ,she will ALWAYS be there for you.
Ann Ralph Ashley and Kirsten
CYNDEE MERRITT
July 16, 2009
ALL OF YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS...
Cynthia Lake
July 16, 2009
To the Billing Family
I am sorry about your lost. I know your sorrow is deep, but I want you to know that I weep with you. Be encourage, the Lord will help you throw this tragedy.
Mia McCole
July 16, 2009
May you find peace in God's love and know that we all weep with you.
debra loncar
July 16, 2009
they were vloving paren,ts believe me. you could see that. my son played with some of the childreen on the mirlce leauge on 9mile road.sorry for your loss but they will not be forgotten. my son say,s that the good lord will watch over the childrenand that we will not forget the kind hearts that mrand mrs billings had. sicerely, debraloncar
wanda morado
July 16, 2009
Bud I love u my dear friend and you will be missed- i met Bud 20 plus years ago-the first person i met when i moved back to pensacola-Bud sold me my first 2 cars ---thats how we become buds-no matter whre bud was at in pensacola id find him he helped me alot-just by us talking-more like a father figure-years later he showed me his office wall and told me how happy he was and that he adopted the children and thats when my thoughts of Bud grew even stronger-i was a foster child thrown here and there-and here Bud was adopting children-made me feel beter to know that there was some good out there and i found that in Bud - I never got the chance to meet his wife or children-But i can tell you when i was around him the last time he was just so happy-you and your wife were angels in our midst-my love goes out to his family and you are in our prayers from my family to yours-------we love you and all the children ----Wanda Morado
Joyce Shropshire
July 16, 2009
I pray your continued strength in the Lord.
Mark /Joyce Shropshire First Baptist Church Warrington.
Teresa Markham
July 16, 2009
Godspeed
Donna Robbins
July 16, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rebecca B
July 16, 2009
To the Billings Family:
With Deepest Sympathy
the God of love and peace
shall be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11
May it console you
to know others care,
Think of you warmly,
and in every prayer
Ask God to bless you
with courage to bear
the sorrow that now
fills your heart.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Amber Hall
July 16, 2009
There are no words to explain the sadness that the loss of these two wonderful people brings. It is so hard to understand how or why this happened. God Bless the Billings Family, may you find the strength and courage to find peace in your hearts and keep the memory of your parents strong. May Melanie & Byrd rest in peace. Their story and how much courage they radiated is an inspiration to all parents.
Dana Talamo (Cox)
July 16, 2009
My prayers are with you and your family Ashley!
Anita Gilley
July 16, 2009
So very very sorry about this. How heartbreaking and so needless. I pray the love these people showed others less fortunate will be an inspiration to the Pensacola area and everyone will do everything in their power to help solve this horrible crime. Anita Gilley
wendy
July 15, 2009
I did not know your family personally. Your parents must have been truely special people with huge hearts. They are an inspiration to me. The children will be in my thoughts.
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