Harrison Eugene Billups

Harrison Eugene Billups peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at age 93, with loving family members by his side. He was born on June 7, 1927, to Harrison Bedford Billups and Queenie Victoria Billups (nee Cherry) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Harrison was the fourth of seven children born to his parents.

Harrison was united in holy matrimony to Dorothy Bolling in 1962 and this union was blessed with three children. From a previous marriage, Harrison was blessed with two children. He was called “Gene” by his devoted wife, Dorothy. Other family and friends called him “Eugene.” During World War II, in 1943, Eugene enlisted in the Navy at 16 years of age. He was honorably discharged in 1947, and he had become a strong, determined and independent man. After serving in the Navy, Eugene was employed at the Naval Supply Center in Norfolk, Virginia where he retired after 20 years. During his active years of work, Eugene was also a part-time taxi driver and a small-business man. For several years after he retired, Eugene enjoyed delivering flowers for Sunflower Florist located in Norfolk, Virginia. Eugene never met a stranger and this job gave him the opportunity to meet many new people. He loved to talk and share ideas with people from all walks of life.

Eugene was devoted to God. For many years, he was a devout member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent under the leadership of Superintendent James E. Williams (deceased) and Pastor Austin Young. He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend, and a man who would readily give help to someone in need. Also, he enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. He had a kind heart and a happy spirit.

He is predeceased by his parents and five of his siblings: Lossie Bell Billups, Mary B. Jackson, Amie Mocile Brooks, William Ernest Billups, and Norman W. Billups. Eugene is also predeceased by one of his children, Reginald Billups.

Eugene is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy; four children: Willie Gene Billups (Vernice) of Charlotte, NC; Donald Billups of Lawton, OK; Cynthia Diann Graves of Norfolk, VA; and Amy Lewis (William) of Norfolk, VA; fifteen grandchildren: Jeanine Howard (Corey) of Charlotte, NC; Reginald Billups of Charlotte, NC; Raphael Billups of Virginia Beach, VA; Julius Billups( Kadian) of Salisbury, MD; Aaron Javon “AJ” Billups of Lawton, OK; Yolanda (Roosevelt) Farrington of Atlanta, GA; Terrance (Sherion) Peace of MS; Shon (Ronnie) Sanders of AL; Earl Billups (Inell) of Pike Road, AL; Jerome Graves (Tereca) of Jacksonville, AR; Trevis L. Billups; Marcus W. Billups; Brian Billups; Mitchell Billups ( Phiniece ) of Leesville, LA; and Ryan DeBraux of Knoxville,TN; a host of great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, one sister, Lou McCutchen of Chesapeake, VA; two sisters-in-law; Marylene Bolling of Richmond, VA and Ruby Luster of Washington, DC; one brother-in-law: Randolph Bolling (Delores) of Suffolk, VA; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be private.

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