Racine, WI – David Columbus Billingsley II was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 21, 1950, to the union of Rev. Ernest Gerald and Doris Marie Billingsley, the second of seven children.

David was educated in the Saginaw, Michigan, and Racine, Wisconsin, public school systems. After graduation from Racine's Washington Park High School, David attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Macalester College in St. Paul, Minneosta, where he graduated with a B.S. in Business. He played college football at both schools. David also received a master's degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

David began his career working for the Minnesota Power Company and then for the Xerox corporation where he was one of the top salespersons for several years. He was self- employed in the hair care and liquor store enterprises for several years. He worked as a social worker for the VA Hospital system.

David loved sports and was actively involved with multiple sports as a college and high school official. His favorite sports to referee were football, basketball, and baseball. This was a long-term love affair; he started officiating when living in Minnesota and continued until he retired from it in 2015.  David was a friend to everyone he encountered—no one was a stranger.   He was a very personable individual who made many friends and acquaintances throughout his life.  He had a way of spinning a story to make it bigger than life that would make you laugh or scare you half to death.

David was a member of Faith Church of God, Racine, Wisconsin, under the leaderships of Rev. Albert Grant and Rev. Lenell Jackson.

He entered eternal life on Sunday, June 28, 2020, after a brief illness.  He leaves to cherish his memory three children: David C. Billingsley III (Sarah) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Khara R. McPherson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Richard Billingsley of Racine, Wisconsin; five grandchildren:  Cadence, Kaden, and Sarah Billingsley; Jaizelle and Robert Brooks; three sisters:  Rosalind Bordain (Hermitage, Tennessee), Hattie Billingsley (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and Doris Billingsley (Racine, Wisconsin); three brothers: Gerald Billingsley (Racine, Wisconsin), Rupert Billingsley (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and James (Christine) Billingsley (Phoenix, Arizona); many nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and great-great-nieces/nephews; a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends who will miss him.

A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:00am in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI.  Visitation will be in the Chapel from 9:00am until the time of service.  Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park.  Please visit the funeral home website at a later date for his full obituary.

In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time.  You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building.  For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering.  We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

Live Streaming Link

https://youtu.be/wN8CPB7mEC8

Service Details

A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:00am in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI.  Visitation will be in the Chapel from 9:00am until the time of service.

Live Streaming Link

https://youtu.be/wN8CPB7mEC8

In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time.  You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building.  For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering.  We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

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