Thomas Joseph Billy

August 17, 2942 - August 22, 2025

Thomas Joseph Billy, 83, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on August 22, 2025, after a long illness. He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on August 17, 1942.

Mr. Billy dedicated his distinguished career to implementing effective food safety policies in the United States and worldwide. After an illustrious career at the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service, he went on to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Office of Seafood. Subsequently, he served as the Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was a two-time chairman of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international program established by the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, where his work helped establish international food safety standards that protected millions of people globally.

Tom was a man of diverse passions and interests. He was a devoted fan of the Washington Nationals baseball team and University of Michigan athletics. He found joy in the theater and golf, loved to travel, and was an enthusiastic SCUBA diver, always seeking new underwater adventures. Those who knew him will remember his infectious sense of humor, quick dry wit, and adventurous driving, as well as his pragmatic wisdom that guided both his professional accomplishments and personal relationships.

He is survived by his son, Steven Billy, and daughter-in-law Anastasia Billy; his former daughter-in-law Susan Billy Aukamp; and four beloved grandchildren: Brendan Billy, Chloe Billy, Christopher Billy, and Quinton Billy. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his brother Ted Billy, his sister Janice Wortley, and his son Paul Billy.

The family will host a private Celebration of Life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (PKD Foundation) in Tom's memory.

Tom's legacy of public service, his commitment to protecting public health, and his zest for life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.