Obituary for George William Billand Jr.
George W Billand Jr, 88 (well almost), formerly of Bowie, Maryland, died June 16, 2020 surrounded by family at the home of his favorite son. Born June 18, 1932 in Ashville PA, son of the late George W and Annabelle (Spade) Billand. Preceded in death by his wife, Peggy A (Farren) Billand, sister, Alea Yingling and daughter-in-law, Susan (Janicki) Billand.
George spent the last 27 years of his life doing what he loved most (outside of training service cats), enjoying his grandchildren. He loved to tell stories of his past and had a special way of bringing them to life. Well, larger than life. So large his children embarked on a mission to see if he was somehow related to Aesop. He grew up a poor mountain boy that never had shoes (believed until recently when his sons found pictures of his childhood where he always had shoes on). Learned to fight at a young age (probably black bears) and became a great boxer. He served on the USS Monterey during the Korean War. Met the love of his life and married her when she was 16???!?!?! (yes, Dad… we did the calculation). Had twin sons that by all accounts are still strapping handsome men. He always did his best to instill discipline in his sons and grandchildren. Well it kind of worked in the early days because he could be a little scary. However, we all eventually saw right through it and realized that he was just a softy. Always cried a little when his family left from visiting him. Well it is our turn now.
The boring story would have been…he grew up poor, had a horse and a goat, became a great boxer, went to war, fell in love, cherished his wife until her death, adored his grandchildren and passed on to the pearly gates. That was just not George’s way and just why he was loved by so many.
He is survived by his children: Barry (Noelle) Billand, Littlestown, PA and Brian (Nadine) Billand, Carmel, IN; grandchildren: Michael Billand, Dr. Farren Billand, Brittany Billand, Benjamin Billand, Kevin Billand, Samuel Billand, the runt of the litter William Billand, Bennett (Megan) Smith, Clay (Katie) Smith, Mackenzie Smith; great granddaughter, Charlotte and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor by his family. Live band, beer, BBQ, that weird party mix that has those spicy long banana looking crackers and hard little pea-like bites, and coleslaw. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door with all proceeds going to Steve. Members of Kappa Alpha Theta admitted free.
A private graveside service with full military honors will be held Friday, July 10 at 10:00 A.M. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
The family asks that in leu of flowers, donations be made in honor of George to the Adams County SPCA Gettysburg PA .
George spent the last 27 years of his life doing what he loved most (outside of training service cats), enjoying his grandchildren. He loved to tell stories of his past and had a special way of bringing them to life. Well, larger than life. So large his children embarked on a mission to see if he was somehow related to Aesop. He grew up a poor mountain boy that never had shoes (believed until recently when his sons found pictures of his childhood where he always had shoes on). Learned to fight at a young age (probably black bears) and became a great boxer. He served on the USS Monterey during the Korean War. Met the love of his life and married her when she was 16???!?!?! (yes, Dad… we did the calculation). Had twin sons that by all accounts are still strapping handsome men. He always did his best to instill discipline in his sons and grandchildren. Well it kind of worked in the early days because he could be a little scary. However, we all eventually saw right through it and realized that he was just a softy. Always cried a little when his family left from visiting him. Well it is our turn now.
The boring story would have been…he grew up poor, had a horse and a goat, became a great boxer, went to war, fell in love, cherished his wife until her death, adored his grandchildren and passed on to the pearly gates. That was just not George’s way and just why he was loved by so many.
He is survived by his children: Barry (Noelle) Billand, Littlestown, PA and Brian (Nadine) Billand, Carmel, IN; grandchildren: Michael Billand, Dr. Farren Billand, Brittany Billand, Benjamin Billand, Kevin Billand, Samuel Billand, the runt of the litter William Billand, Bennett (Megan) Smith, Clay (Katie) Smith, Mackenzie Smith; great granddaughter, Charlotte and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor by his family. Live band, beer, BBQ, that weird party mix that has those spicy long banana looking crackers and hard little pea-like bites, and coleslaw. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door with all proceeds going to Steve. Members of Kappa Alpha Theta admitted free.
A private graveside service with full military honors will be held Friday, July 10 at 10:00 A.M. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
The family asks that in leu of flowers, donations be made in honor of George to the Adams County SPCA Gettysburg PA .