Thomas Wayne Billingsley

A hard worker and a hard fighter. The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. Thomas Wayne Billingsley, 70, of Reidsville, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

The family will accept visitors this week at the family party house, 479 Penn Road, Reidsville. Visitation will be held at Wilkerson’s Funeral Home in Reidsville on Friday, November 15th from 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 16th at Reidsville Alliance Church at 11:30 A.M., with entombment to follow at Evergreen Memory Gardens with Rev. Peter Dodge officiating.

Wayne was born in Rockingham County to Louise and the late J.T. Billingsley. He was known to the Reidsville community as being a hardworking, family oriented, godly man. In 1985, Wayne married Betty, and the two shared 39 sweet years of marriage. From the time he was a small boy, Wayne worked on his family’s farm carrying tobacco sticks and milking cows before school. When he turned 18, his dad, J.T. and his uncle, Dillard Billingsley started the septic tank company in 1972. He would eventually take over the family business with his brothers, Kenneth and Roger Billingsley and his cousin, Brenda Williams, and together they would forge the company into the legacy that continues today with the next generation. His life was dedicated to his family and his work. In addition to being a hardworking businessman, Wayne was also known for his ability to operate a backhoe, whether it be installing septic tanks or digging swimming pools. When he was not working, Wayne enjoyed going to races, hunting, and his favorite – getting to watch his daughter, Holly, play basketball. From the time she was born in 1996, the two would go together to quote jobs, travel to her basketball games, and make the annual family trip to White Lake. When Holly got married to Seth, Wayne gained more than just a son-in-law, as he thought of him as his own son and taught him about the family business. His world was completed when he gained his two grandchildren, Raegan and Coleson. Wayne loved to take Raegan on gator rides around the farm and enjoyed watching tractor videos with Coleson. Up until 2021 when he got sick, Wayne could be found at Reidsville Alliance church every Sunday. Members of the community remember Wayne for his selflessness and generosity through his involvement in fundraisers at the church and the yearly stews and “pig pickings.” Many will recall stories of his laughter and sense of humor. Most importantly, Wayne will be remembered for the love of his family, especially his wife and daughter, which were his whole world.

He was preceded in death by his father J.T. Billingsley; and brother-in-law, Keith Jacobs.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jacobs Billingsley; his daughter, Holly Billingsley Brooks (Seth); mother, Louise Billingsley; brothers, Kenneth Billingsley (Debra), and Roger Billingsley (Phyllis). He also leaves behind two loving grandchildren, Raegan Marie Brooks and Coleson Wayne Brooks; sisters-in-law, Carol Beck (Allen) and Lori Jacobs; brothers-in-law Taylor Jacobs (Ianthia) and Tim Jacobs (Amy); and a large extended family.