RACINE – Gerald "Jerry" Lewis Billingsley, born on October 11, 1955 in Saginaw, MI, to Rev. Ernest Gerald and Doris Marie Billingsley. He peacefully entered eternal life on February 7 ^th , 2024, at AccentCare Hospice after a brief illness.

Jerry, the fourth of seven children, received his education in Saginaw, MI, and Racine, WI public school systems. Jerry was an amazing wrestler during his high school years at Washington Park High School. He received his GED from Gateway Technical College.

Jerry was baptized at a young age into the Church of God denomination and attended as a member of Faith Church of God under Pastors' Rev. Albert Grant and Pastor Tyron Patrick in Racine, WI. He later joined Christian Faith Fellowship Church under Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott also in Racine, WI and remained a member there for the remaining of his life.

Jerry married the love of his life Shirley Wainwright on April 12 ^th , 1986. God blessed Jerry and Shirley with three beautiful children, their son Nicktavius, and two daughters Shayla and Tonya. He continued to pursue his educational goals by earning his license in cosmetology from The Beauty College of Racine, WI. Later, he graduated from Gainey Truck Driving School and obtained his CDL.

In his professional journey, Jerry utilized his skills as a distributor for Blankinship Discount Beauty Center while living in Minneapolis, MN. After a few years he decided to move his family back to Racine, WI. He began his entrepreneurial journey there that led him to open up his very own beauty salon. After being a business owner for years, he decided to venture into the truck driving business. This is where he found his true passion for driving trucks. He would ultimately spend the rest of his career driving eighteen wheelers nationwide for many companies.

Throughout his life, Jerry actively engaged in sports, adventures, and various hobbies. Some of the things he particularly enjoyed were attending family events, taking road trips, riding motorcycles and going to the gun range. In his later years he cherished spending time with his family and telling stories to his grandchildren. Jerry had a unique ability to motivate and inspire so many people and made many friends over the years.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Shirley J. Billingsley of Racine, WI. His children Shayla (Christopher) Wainwright of Columbus, GA; Nicktavius Wainwright of Benton, LA.; and Tonya (Robenson) Billingsley of Denver, CO. He leaves behind eight grandchildren: Destany, Arianna, Dana, Nicktavius Jalil, Nia, Christopher Jr., Camron, and Caiden. Three great-grandchildren: Londyn, Arion, and Aiden. Three sisters Rosalind Bordain (Clarkston, GA), Hattie Billingsley (Milwaukee, WI), and Doris Billingsley (Racine, WI). Two brothers: Rupert Billingsley (Milwaukee, WI) and James (Christine) Billingsley (Avondale, AZ). One sister-in-law Gloria Vereen (Hendersonville, TN). Three brothers-in-law: Carl (Diane) Wainwright (Stonewall, MS), Larry (Maria) Wainwright (Gallatin, TN), and Douglas (Tricia) Wainwright (Indianapolis, IN). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends who will miss him dearly.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest G. and Doris M. Billingsley, and his brother, David Billingsley II. His Father in-law and Mother in-law E.W. and Bertha M. Wainwright. His memory will be forever cherished by the ones who loved him and the lives that he touched.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, FEBRUARY 23rd for a visitation from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at 4:00 pm.  You may watch the service via livestream by clicking on this link at 4:00 pm. https://youtube.com/live/BnUKhnU6CDA?feature=share Please check back after February 19th for a complete obituary.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your presence. We greatly appreciate all of your prayers, calls, texts, flowers, gifts of love and all other acts of kindness and concern shown to us during the passing of our loved one. Your compassion has been a source of comfort and strength. May God bless each and every one of you.

The Family of Gerald Lewis Billingsley