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Jerry Bills

1962 - 2025

Jerry Bills obituary, 1962-2025, Flagstaff, AZ

BORN

1962

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Norvel Owens Mortuary - Flagstaff

914 E. Route 66

Flagstaff, Arizona

Jerry Bills Obituary

With heavy hearts and a deep respect for a life of service, we announce the passing of Deputy Chief Jerry Bills of the Flagstaff Fire Department at 62 years old on Oct. 9, 2025. Jerry passed away surrounded by loved ones in his home in Doney Park, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, courage, and steady dedication to his family, community, and department. Born on Nov. 8, 1962, in Greensburg, Jerry was the beloved son of William T. and Josephine E. Bills. His journey towards a life of service began at the Madison Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania, where he found his calling. That calling took him to Florida, where he served for nearly 20 years with the Seminole County Fire Department (Altamonte Springs Fire Department). Jerry then continued his career in Arizona, dedicating another 19 years to the Flagstaff Fire Department, where he earned the love and admiration of all who served with him. Jerry's life was an example of commitment not only to his profession but also to the ones he loved most. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Suzie Bills; his brother, Edward Bills; and his niece, Robin Bills. He is survived by his four children, who were the pride of his life: Ashley (Tony) Miele, Jared (Holley) Bills, Kelsey (Matt), and Austin Bills. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Makenna, Anthony, Mayah, and Maysen, whose lives remain enriched by his wisdom, support, and strength. Jerry is also survived by his mother-in-law, Anna Akos; and his siblings, Thomas (Karen) Bills, Kenneth (Beverly) Bills, Jefferey (Brenda) Bills, Robert (Debra) Bills, Carol (Thomas) Petrillo, and Cynthia (James) Hegedus. He was a cherished brother-in-law to Michael Akos, Barbara (Mike) Carney, Linda (Glenn) Richmond, Patti (Larry) Cox, and the late Jim Akos. To his colleagues, Jerry was more than a leader he was a mentor, a friend, and an advocate. His steady demeanor, tireless work ethic, and genuine care for others leave a visible mark on the fire service across the country. A celebration of Jerry's life will be planned by the Flagstaff Fire Department, where his contributions, sacrifices, and leadership will be honored by those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the Bills family requests that donations be made to the United Flagstaff Fire Fighters Local 1505, a charitable organization supporting the health and wellness of first responders. Although Jerry is no longer with us, his legacy will live on in every person he's helped, every firefighter he guided, and every heart he touched. Chief Jerry Bills' memorial service will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 20, 2025, at the San Francisco de Asis Roman Catholic Church in Flagstaff, AZ. For more information on the memorial, donations, or live streaming options, please visit https://linktr.ee/FFDPIO.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tribune Review on Oct. 17, 2025.

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Ralph Fulmer

October 19, 2025

My name is Ralph Fulmer and I´m originally from Madison, PA. I got to know Jerry in 1979/1980s, he was already a friend of my older brother Allen (who still lived in Madison) when I met Jerry.
I am so Sorry to hear of his Passing.
He was a Great Person, fun loving, hard worker and a joy to be around, always willing to help. When we bought our house, Jerry was right there to help us move in. Over the years there was quite a few projects we had gotten into. Our time was short and life moved on, Jerry left for Florida to be a Paid Fireman.
Over the years things would come up that jogged my memory of Jerry, as it does with our old friends. But most recently, on Thursday evening October 16, 2025 I decided to go through a drawer where I put things (papers, documents, pictures whatever) that I do not know quite what to do with, but don´t want to lose. While looking through the stuff I came across a picture from a party at our house and there was Jerry beside my brother. I know I have other pictures of Jerry and old friends, with all the other 100´s of pictures stored away. But this picture was not with them. I took the picture & showed my wife, asked her if she remembered Jerry. She said YES. We reminisced about the party and old friends and not seeing Jerry for such a long time. We wondered how he was doing and hoped he was doing well.
On Friday, October 17, 2025 (the next day) my wife called for me and said there is something you need to read. She was on her I pad with the Trib Live showing a picture of Jerry in the Obituary Section.
I COULDN´T BELIEVE IT! Jerry is 10 years younger than me, he can´t be gone!!!
We are so sad over his passing, it is hard to accept. I remember Jerry as a young energetic Person so Full of Life.
As his Family, You have our Deepest Sympathy & Condolences.
After reading Jerry´s Obituary, it did not surprise me that Jerry did so well in his life. He was a Fine Young Man, when I knew him. I am sure he was a Good Husband, Father and Grandfather. Not to mention a "Damn Good Chief!"
With Sympathy,
Ralph and Stephanie Fulmer

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Memorial Events
for Jerry Bills

Oct

20

Memorial service

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

San Francisco de Asis Roman Catholic Church

1600 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Funeral services provided by:

Norvel Owens Mortuary - Flagstaff

914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

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