Charles Edgar Billings

BILLINGS Dr. Charles Edgar "Charlie" Billings, age 81, of First Community Village, passed over to be with his wife Lillian on August 30, 2010. Born in Boston, MA, he was educated at Eastman School of Music, Wesleyan University; New York University, where he received a Doctor of Medicine, and The Ohio State University, receiving a Master of Science. Charlie is survived by his daughter, Lee Ellen (Dean) Kreinbihl of New Philadelphia, OH; two grandsons, Keith (Amy) Kreinbihl of Normal, IL, Kristofer (Natasha) Kreinbihl of New Philadelphia, OH; two great- grandsons, Drew and Beckett; and brother, John (Cheri) Billings of Amelia Island, FL. Dr. Billings was drafted into the Air Force and attended the USAF School of Aviation Medicine. He was assigned as a squadron flight surgeon for a Fighter-Interceptor Wing located in England. His love of whippets commenced when the family returned to the US with Fly. Discharged, he took graduate training in aviation and occupational medicine at OSU, and then taught at OSU for 15 years. He joined NASA as a medical research officer, became chief of Aviation Safety Research, was promoted to senior scientist then selected a Fellow and Chief Scientist before his retirement from NASA Ames Research Center, CA. He returned to OSU as an Emeritus Professor, and for the past 17 years has worked in the School of Engineering in cognitive systems engineering and human factors research. Dr. Billings internationally recognized expertise in aviation medicine and human factors has been published in over 80 professional articles, books and lectures. His abilities earned him honors including President of the Aerospace Medical Association, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and two time NASA leadership award designee. His knowledge made him a recruited consultant on the United Aircraft Corporation (Apollo Project) as well as a Visiting Lecturer offering his special talents to be heard internationally at prestigious institutions in the United States, Canada, England, New Zealand and Australia. At Dr. Billings request a memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 4, 2010 at First Community Village Chapel, 1800 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH 43212. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Capital Area Humane Society, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026, American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215 or to a Hospice of one's choice. Arrangements completed by RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St., Worthington, OH 43085. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.