Zeb Billings Obituary
Zeb Billings Naples, FL
Zeb Billings, 80, of Naples FL, made a peaceful transition on December 6, 2010, surrounded by love, family and music.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jane; and their daughter Tiffany; and by his children, Greg (Sara) Billings; Deborah (Craig) Nelson; Joe (Rebecca) Billings; Dana(Jeff) Lark. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Grant Billings;, Jazzie Hennings; Ben and Heather Nelson; Alexis, Allison, Alana and Michael Billings, Alex Lark and two great-grandchildren; his beloved sister Kaye Meyer, and many other dear family members and friends.
Originally from Milwaukee, Zeb founded Billings Piano and Organ. Besides being an outstanding sax player, he was also a talented arranger and vocalist who has been in the music business most of his life. He hosted his own TV show in Milwaukee with nationally acclaimed singers, musicians and movie stars, The Zeb Billings show was the lead-in to the Vince Lombardi Hour.
Zeb founded the music publishing business, Sight & Sound and then progressed to developing electronic music software which lead to many patents on electronic sound toys. Zeb is the inventor of the "Golden Sound Story Book" with over 26 million copies sold world-wide. He created talking toys and books for Disney, Time Warner and Sesame Street, and in his retirement years in Naples he dedicated his time to being a full-time songwriter and musician forming vocal groups such as Espresso, Java and the Songbirds.
Zeb's most recent pride and joy was the composition of the patriotic song, I Love America, which was premiered in Naples by the Naples Concert Band at their Cambier Park concert.
A Celebration of Zeb's Life and music will be held, Tuesday December 14, at 3:00 p.m., at Unity Church, 2000 Unity Way, Naples, FL, 34112.
In lieu of flowers, donations if you choose can be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sandy Armstrong (Hoerl)
September 3, 2021
I only just read about Mr. BILLINGS. I worked for Zeb at Sight and Sound and moved to California the same time he did. I worked as a Sight and Sound rep just for that state. It was very exciting to work in that capacity and Mr. Billings allowed me the freedom to run it like my own little business. I had some success but as a young girl I got a bit side-tracked and so decided to move back and fortunately he and his wife moved back as well. He was a very kind and understanding boss. I have such fond memories of working with Jack Metz and Jerry Knatz to name a few. Thank you to Mr. Billings for his wonderfully kind spirit. He is a Milwaukee treasure even now!
Art Py
December 29, 2010
Jane & Family,
I will always remember Zeb as a good friend, a great musician, a pleasure to be with and my tennis doubles partner who always said; "Art, we've been down before" I replied, " yea Zeb, but we never came back"
Our love to you and rememberances of our godd friens, Zeb Billings.
Art Py
Laure Borchardt
December 28, 2010
I was so sorry to hear that Zeb has passed. His spirit, energy and warmth will be remembered always. I was invited to be a part of the Sight & Sound family during the 80's. Fresh out of college - I was offered the opportunity to learn and grow with an amazing team of people. I will never forget those early experiences. My best to Jane, Joe, Deb and the entire family at this difficult time. Zeb and your entire family have left such a lasting impression on me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deborah Janz
December 20, 2010
I had the pleasure of working for Zeb at Sight & Sound in international sales. He was an amazing entrepreneur and a compassionate leader. I have many fond memories of the exporting days. Please know that I'm thinking of Zeb's family, with sincere sympathy, wishing you peace and comfort.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Larry Lange
December 20, 2010
I first met Zeb sitting in with Chuck Hedges group at Ciro's many moons ago. We both brought our tenors, and we were both playing on the same kind of mouthpiece. It was a beautiful evening, and he was a great musician.
I later worked for him at Sight & Sound and have to say it was the most fun and creative place I ever worked. Zeb had the attitude that there was nothing we could not do. I loved coming in each day.
Zeb and his music will be missed.
Larry Lange
Andrea Moulas
December 15, 2010
My father worked for Zeb for many years at Sight & Sound. As a little girl I remember going to the office on weekends and pretending to be a secretary while my dad did some work. Oh the candy dishes on the desks! Our house was filled with music and we were lucky to have a wonderful piano and organ. My regards (Bill Moulas passed away in 1986).
Rich Wagner
December 15, 2010
Unfortunately I didn't know Zeb personally but spent many hours at the store on Fond du Lac and Capitol. I remember how Zeb expanded his store for us kids in the sixties, carrying a variety of Vox guitars and amplifiers. He had a studio in the basement of the building that area bands could play in using the Vox equipment supplied by Zeb. He will be missed. A real musical hero to us who grew up in the sixties by understanding the changing generations and catering to our rock and roll enthusiasm.
Art Zens
December 15, 2010
I was at the service in Naples yesterday but had to leave early due to a rehearsal with the Naples Concert Band and did not get an opportunity to express my sympathy. I played trumpet in one of Zeb's "kids" band many years ago. We played together in the house band at the Eagles Ballroom for several years and sat in with a group he was forming in Florida several years ago. He was a very talented musician and composer and my honor to have known him and perform with him.
Bob Kames Jr.
December 15, 2010
Greg, Grant I was so sorry to hear the news. The world has lost another music industry legend. I only met Zeb a few times but feel fortunate I can say I met him. Knowing how much Zeb and my dad changed the organ and piano market here in Milwaukee I can't imagine what they will try as a duo in Heaven.
He will be missed by you his family, friends and everyone in the music business.
God Bless.
Kathy Fiedler
December 14, 2010
I was very fortunate to work for Zeb from 1971 to 1990. It was so much fun to go to work each day! There was always something exciting going on! My deepest sympathies to Jane, Joe, Greg, Deborah and Dana. Your husband/father was a great guy! May he rest in peace.
MaryGail Py
December 14, 2010
Dear Jane and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Zeb's passing. He will be remembered with love, affection and deep appreciation for his music. My heart goes out to you and I know that cherished memories of Zeb will always comfort you. Sending love to my dear friend.
louise wisinski
December 14, 2010
You were a big part of my youth; oh how I loved your show. May you rest in peace; sympathies to your family.
December 13, 2010
Jane and Family, it's been 25 years but I remember the Western adventure like it was yesterday. Zeb had great enthusiasm for his projects and his life and his wife...Rest in Peace. Jim and Karen O'Donnell, Marco Island, Florida.
Craig Simson
December 11, 2010
I lived down the street from Zeb on 55th St. when I was a kid. I remember Christmas at the Billings--a beautiful tree and accordions lined up ready to play. We'll miss you Zeb!
Mark (Johnson) Williams
December 11, 2010
Zeb was one of a kind . Always with a smile, that Zeb laugh, a story (was the story of him sliding across a piano in a Zorro suit on TV true?) and a plan for his next toy, or music event or charity work or ..... He had a natural skill for conversation I had never seen before; able to put the most shy or nervous person at ease. When you met Zeb for the first time, you had a friend for life. I consider myself very lucky to have know Zeb, and I will miss him.
Holly & Alec Dobson
December 11, 2010
Our condolences to Greg and the family. Your dad left behind a musical legacy that lives on in his family. What a beautiful gift with every note you play. So sorry for your loss.
Carol Cypert
December 10, 2010
I have many fond memories of the nearly 20 years I worked for Zeb at Sight and Sound. Things were always fast paced and changing, never dull. My deepest sympathies to Jane, Joe, Greg, Deborah and Dana.
December 10, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Billings family. Zeb-what an incredible talent! While in college a group of us students would enjoy hearing Zeb and Chuck Hedges at Ciro's in Brookfield. I learned so much about playing saxophone by listening to Zeb. Years later he bought some horns from me at the local music store where I work. We had such a great time "talking shop". Just a class guy and a beautiful person. Zeb, I and many,many other musicians will carry the fond memory of you and your legacy - on the bandstand and in our hearts........
Peter F. Neumer
Jon Ubick
December 10, 2010
My father, Richard Ubick, spoke fondly of your father. My condolences.
G. Stewart Mathison
December 10, 2010
My sympathies to Jane, Joe, Greg and all members of the Billings family. As a youngster, my parents bought the organ which still sits in my living room from Zeb. As a young professional, I had the honor of being hired by Zeb as the ad manager for Sight & Sound for a brief time. Some great projects were in the works then in the early to mid- 1980s. I was always impressed with Zeb's energy, enthusiasm and excitement for new ideas. He was one of the nicest and most creative folks I ever had the opportunity to meet and work with. God bless you, Zeb. You now get to play in the biggest gig of all!
Dick Schultz
December 10, 2010
I was lucky enough to work for Zeb back in the fun 70's and 80's. I also got to sing quite a few of his compositions. I can still hear him wailing away on "Disco Rhapsody!" He was a brilliant guy and always fun to be around. He will be missed. My best to all the Billings clan down in Florida.
Dick Schultz, Waukesha, Wisconsin
December 10, 2010
It was always a pleasure to work with Zeb in those early years of Sight and Sound at Pearl Studios. I will remember my association fondly. My prayers are with you Jane and family. Todd Scott
Pamela Wells
December 8, 2010
While we didn't know Jeb personally, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends...we know he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Pamela & Paul Wells
December 8, 2010
Zeb...you were the dearest father-in-law for 20+ years... your gentle, loving spirit will live on in each of us.. you played a mean jazzy sax and sang like an angel... now you've earned your wings!! Eternal Love ~ Jacque (Billings) Schultz (Nashville, TN)
Todd Amundson
December 8, 2010
Zeb was quite a guy... my sincere condolences to Deb and Greg and the rest of the Billings family.
December 8, 2010
God speed to you Mr. Billings! I am sure that you are in a pretty fabulous "new band" already. You were a very loved father by all of your children, and they will remember and miss you. Peace to you all. Sincerely,
Linda and Michael Gelles
Frank Charles
December 8, 2010
Farewell to my good friend for 65 years.
You will always be in my prayers.
Sheryl Soukup Naples Equestrian Challenge
December 8, 2010
Zeb was a devoted father who who showed great pride in his daughter's accomplishments in horsemanship at Naples Equestrian Challenge. He was a regular spectator during her weekly lessons and annual horse shows. He was an encouranging and supportive parent throughout his daughter's many years of riding with us. He will always be remembered at NEC as a loving father and long-time supporter of the program. Our thoughts and prayers are with Zeb's family during this difficult time.
Rick Cox
December 8, 2010
So long Zeb, you were a truly remarkable and unique being. I am so very grateful for having know you and will always have the fondest memories. My deep love and condolences to your family.
Sharon Lechter
December 8, 2010
Zeb touched millions of people with the gift of his music and sounds of delight. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Barbara Miller
December 8, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please take comfort in knowing that Zeb lived his life to the fullest.
James Cain
December 8, 2010
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Condolences to Jane and family. Dr. Jim Cain.
Frank Charles
December 8, 2010
Memories of Zeb will NEVER leave me as we met 65 years ago and have been friends since then. He will be missed by many. Keep swinging Zeb!!
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Zeb Billings's name
How to support Zeb's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Zeb Billings's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
