Curtis Wayne Billingsley

Curtis "Wayne" Billingsley, 71, passed away peacefully at his home early afternoon Sunday, the 24th of August. Wayne was born December 17, 1953, to Henry and Nina Billingsley and grew up on the family farm in Leon County. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, raising quail, and stewarding the land.

From an early age, Wayne possessed both a natural curiosity and an instinctive understanding for how things worked. Growing up, he learned as much as he could from his father while spending time together in the logging woods and hauling agricultural commodities across the southeast. This passion guided his life and career.

As a young man, he was a pit crew member for Monty Myers NASCAR racing, and an IBEW electrical journeyman and welder on the Alaska Pipeline Project and several other major industrial construction projects across the country. Later, he worked alongside his father as a logging contractor in North Florida and South Georgia. Wayne recently retired after more than 30 years as the lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic for M of Tallahassee, Inc.

Wayne was a remarkably talented and skilled craftsman, tradesman, and mechanic. As a master carpenter, he built his beautiful home on the family farm. He spent countless hours at his sawmill "shed", always fixing or building something. Among his many passions was a love for restoring classic cars, including his prize-winning 1965 Chevelle SS. He was in the process of restoring his father's 1985 F-150 and his dream car, a 1967 Chevelle SS. He generously shared his skills with countless friends, family, and neighbors.

Above all, Wayne cherished time with his family, which brought him his greatest joy. He always shared a special bond with his daughter Gentry, marked by a close friendship and mutual care, and his grandson Grady, who was shaped by his steady presence and guidance. Wayne believed his faith in God "kept him headed in the right direction." He was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church for most of his life, was loved by all who knew him, and will be forever missed and remembered.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Henry F. and Nina G. Billingsley, and his sister, Phyllis Ann Clements. He is survived by his children, Gentry Roberts (T.A.), Kayne and Kayle Billingsley, and daughter-in-law, Traci Billingsley; his grandchildren, Grady, AnnaReed, and Lula Roberts, Tristian and Tram Billingsley, Ana Heartsfield, and Tyger Winfield; his brothers, Richard H. Billingsley (Jean) and D.E. Billingsley; nieces, Elizabeth Winger and Katherine Billingsley; nephews, James and Jeff Billingsley; as well as countless cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends at Beggs Funeral Home in Tallahassee from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, August 28th. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 29th, at the Billingsley Cemetery in Baum, FL (East Leon County). Pastor Greg Roberts of Indian Springs Baptist Church will officiate. Words of remembrance will be shared by Henry Mayfield.