Born in West Reading, he was a son of Priscilla A. (Smith) Graeff and friend of James W. Clay, with whom he resided; and son of Donald L. Billman, husband of Helen, Hamburg.
He was a salesman for two years for L&B Dodge, Robesonia, last working in January.
He first worked in the juvenile detention center in Wernersville State Hospital and then was a Berks County deputy sheriff. He then worked as a director of the Morning Star Juvenile Detention Center, Salisbury, Md., followed by employment at car dealerships in Maryland.
He was a 1981 graduate of Conrad Weiser High School and attended West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Billman was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Robesonia, where he was a former deacon and choir member; and the Pioneer Hose Company, Robesonia.
He was a former basketball coach at Wyomissing Junior High School and a former assistant junior high basketball coach in the Wilson School District.
He was a former coach of the Conrad Weiser Lions Club’s youth basketball team on which his son played.
He also is survived by a son, Zachary C. Billman and Zachary’s mother, Terri L. Tillinger, wife of David Tillinger, both of Robesonia.
Other survivors include a brother, Jeffrey A. Billman, husband of Sarah (Telfer), Robesonia; paternal grandfather, Earl Billman, Mirimar, Fla.; and a nephew, Chad A. Billman, Millersville.
Memorial services will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in St. Paul’s UCC, Robesonia, with the Rev. Raymond Jachowski officiating. Visitation and fellowship with the family will be held immediately following the services. Lamm & Witman Funeral Home Inc., Wernersville, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Zachary C. Billman Educational Fund, c/o Wachovia Bank, 1 W. Penn Ave., Robesonia, PA 19551.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Katie Tocan
April 5, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about you dad. He was a great father and we will all miss him. I know that you do Zach.
Gloria Troup
April 2, 2007
Dear Zach,
Please know that my prayers are with you and your family. I think you are a very nice young man. I pray that God's love, peace and mercy with bring you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Mrs. Troup
JUDY GARIPOLI
April 2, 2007
DEAREST CHRIS...FROM THE OLD DETENTION CENTER TO TODAY...YOU WERE A JOY...A COMFORT...A FRIEND...WE HAD A FRIENDSHIP THAT WILL LAST FOREVER...
Jonathan Bastian
April 1, 2007
Wow…. I haven’t seen Chris for years and heard the news. Growing up with ‘Bill’ was quite adventure, lots of fond memories, some not so fond, but many of those still bring a chuckle. I remember one time around midnight we were driving by the falls in Roby, Chris slammed on the brakes, ripped all his clothes off and dove off the bridge head first… I think that was one of the first times he saw the light! (I wonder if his Mom remembers that one? She got to see him too!) I’m sad he can’t be there for Zach…. It seemed Chris was always looking for something…… lets hope he found it, who knows maybe he’s out fishing? He used to love to fish! Best Wishes to everyone, I for one will always have a smile when I think of him! It truly was pleasure to have been his friend.
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Val and Jan Diefenderfer
April 1, 2007
Priscilla and family: Our prayers are with you at your time of grief.
Craig Heckman
April 1, 2007
I have very fond memories of Chris, and I still smile when I think about how much fun we had. I'm very sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Chris & Judy at Philadelphia Museum of Art 03/23/2007
March 31, 2007
Lori Thomas
March 31, 2007
I was so sorry the news of your loss.Please know we are thinking of you all .Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Do not mourn the passing,celebrate the life.
Love,
Lori,Rob Dillon and
Miracle Joy
Scott and Debbie Carl and family
March 31, 2007
Dear Zach, Terri and Billman family,
There are no words that can express how saddened we were when we heard the news. Scott has known Chris for over 30 years and made the statement that he will always remember Chris as a "fun loving good guy and a friend." ...our prayers are with you.
Teri (Kahl) Boyer
March 31, 2007
Dear Dave, Terri, and Zach,
I am so very sorry for your loss and
although no words can really help
to ease the suffering you bear,
just know that you are very close
in every thought and every prayer.
Love, Teri
lisa yearian
March 31, 2007
Chris you have touched so many lives and have given so much to others in your short life. There are not enough words to say what an honor it was to know you. you will be sadly missed.we know you are in a place that you are needed and will meet all of your loved ones again. so take care till then.My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Roz Busch
March 30, 2007
Dear Terri and Zach and the FAMILY,
I just want to offer my condolences to all of you on this very sad loss of such a young man. Zach can keep his Dad in his heart of hearts; and that way, he will always be able to receive the blessings that his Dad sends to him from his place in heaven.
To all of you, I send my love and hope that good memories will help to keep him in all of your hearts too. A dear friend of Walter G Hay.
Pam (Dietrich) Owens
March 30, 2007
Dear Priscilla & family, I was sad to hear the news of Chris's passing. I will always remember him as the neighbor who made everyone laugh. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Walter " GEORGE " Hay
March 30, 2007
Terri and Zack, My prayers are with you, God Bless you in this time of sorrow. Heaven has another noble soul.All my Love and Blessings,Love Brother, and Uncle George---Son of Marty and Clate Bowsard
Judy Yearian
March 30, 2007
I was blessed to have known you and will treasure the memories and time we shared together forever. I will be blessed once again when we meet in Heaven. Love always and forever in my heart, Judy
THE ULRICH'S
March 30, 2007
terri and zach-
my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. chris was a great guy who will be missed by so many people. keep his memories close to you and you will make it through this difficult time.
Vickie Correll
March 30, 2007
My thoughts are with all of you and I am feeling your saddness. I smile when I think of Chris with tears flowing knowing how much he will be missed.
Jodie Graeff
March 30, 2007
Terri and Zach,
I am so sorry for your loss! In time, may all your fond memories of Chris make you smile.
My sincerest condolences to all who were blessed by knowing Chris.
Jeff Weir -- class of'81
March 30, 2007
My deepest condolences to Chris’s family. Chris and you are in my prayers.
Donna (Heydt) Messersmith
March 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gene & Margaret Correll
March 30, 2007
Chris grew up in our development and went to school with our 2 daughters. Thanks for the laughs we all had. Mr & Mrs Correll

March 30, 2007

CHRIS AND HIS SON ZACHARY
March 30, 2007

HANGING OUT
March 30, 2007

CHRIS AND HIS FATHER
March 30, 2007
KELLY YOH
March 30, 2007
MY CHILDHOOD BUDDY ,NEIGHBOR, AND CLASSMATE. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES TO KEEP IN MY HEART OF THE MANY GOOD TIMES WE'VE SHARED. YOUR PASSING WAS TO EARLY. I WILL MISS YOU.
The Masciantonio Family
March 30, 2007
To the family; our thoughts are with you in this time of saddness. Unfortunatly,we did not get to know Chris for very long, but he was a very nice person and we feel lucky to have met him- he even let Jason take over his title as
'king of connect four!'- every time I look at that game ,I'll think of you, Chris! May your good memories of him last forever.
Janice and Bruce Weiss
March 30, 2007
Our sincerest condolences for your family. May your memories of Chris comfort you.
Craig Muhammad
March 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Terri Billman-Tillinger
March 30, 2007
Chris had is share of problems in
his lifetime...And none of that mattered to
any of us ...we still always loved
him no matter what.Chris and I had
a very different kind of relationship, we always remained close for our son Zachary....he was
my best friend..words cannot express
how much I will miss him. Every time
I look at our son , I know he is with us. I know in my heart he is now with God finally with no pain and is in peace.
Judy Yearian
March 30, 2007
I was blessed to have known you in the short time we shared together. I know it was God's plan like you told me and I will be blessed once again when we meet in Heaven. Love always and forever in my heart, Judy
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more