Billy Gene Talmadge obituary

Billy Gene Talmadge

September 29, 1951 - December 17, 2022

Obituary For Billy Gene Talmadge

Richlands, NC Billy Gene Talmadge was born on September 29, 1951 in San Antonio, Texas to Roy Francis Talmadge and Ruth Rosine (Summers) Talmadge. He was one of seven children. After his dad left the Army, the family moved to Glendora, CA where they lived for many years. Billy attended Gladstone High School where he was in the marching and jazz bands. He married Zola on April 24, 1970. They had three daughters.

Billy joined the United States Marine Corp in 1971 and honorably served for 25 years. He was proud to be in the Presidential Marine helicopter squadron HMX-1, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a contributor to the development of the V-22 Osprey. He then went on to work for twenty years at L3 Communications building flight simulators.

Billy had many interests outside of work. He enjoyed building and flying RC planes with his brother Stan, attending his grandkids activities, and researching Bigfoot. He was faithful to his church and supporting various ministries. Billy was kind and generous. His love for his family was endless and fierce. He loved to make people laugh and took every opportunity to do so. His values centered around God, family and country.

Billy was survived by his wife Zola of Richlands, NC, his daughters Louise of Fort Worth, TX, Renee (Jimmy) of Euless, TX, and Lindsey of Galveston, TX; his sisters Carol Ghan and Alice Clark, and his brother Steve Talmadge. Billy also has 12 grandchildren Noah, Rebekah, Isaac (Brianna), Dakota, Heidi, Daniel, Jesaiah, Gabriel (Brittany), Georgia, Chandler, Baylie, and four great grandsons Hudson, Walker, Tucker, and Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Shirley, brothers Stanley and Charlie, and grandson Caleb.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home. A celebration of Billy's life will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 28, 2022. His committal will be at 12:00 noon, with USMC Honors, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Services

27 Dec

Visitation

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Johnson Funeral Home - Jacksonville 2685 Henderson Drive Jacksonville, NC 28546 Get Directions »

28 Dec

Celebration of Life

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Johnson Funeral Home - Jacksonville 2685 Henderson Drive Jacksonville, NC 28546 Get Directions »

28 Dec

Interment

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery 110 Montford Landing Road Jacksonville, NC 28540 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

August 27, 2023

William Norton

I heard about the V-22 in the news and remembered a name lost in my mind. Sorry for your loss.
January 04, 2023

lindsey talmadge

I love you so much dad and miss you every day. I see little signs of you everywhere I look, Lindsey
December 29, 2022

Antonio Oliva

Dearest Zola, Sharon and I send our most heartfelt condolences and prayers in this time of grief. You, Billy and the girls are on of the first Marine family we came to know. Over the years we always thought of you and Billy. We followed Billy and the girls on facebook. I shall miss my brother in arms. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
December 23, 2022

Billie Wooldridge

Billy was a special man and a proud marine. Zola, you and the girls can stand proud. What a privilege to have known your family. Will always remember the Sunday dinner we had you over when you first came to Northside...it was the beginning of a great relationship. You have set a great legacy for your sweet family. Billie Wooldridge.
December 22, 2022

Gwen Shelton

Zola, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how much Billy loved his family and how much his family loved him. You, the girls, and grandchildren are in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel God's presence and love during this difficult time. Gwen Shelton

Tributes

Sweet Tranquility Basket was sent for Billy Gene Talmadge - December 25, 2022
Zola Talmadge sent Rays of Life Bouquet for Billy Gene Talmadge - December 21, 2022

I love you Papa. I will miss your jokes.
Zola Talmadge sent Graceful Garden Basket for Billy Gene Talmadge - December 21, 2022

Love ya, mean it! from Louise, Noah, Rebekah, Heidi, Daniel, Dakota, Isaac and Bree, Hudson, Walker, Tucker
william talmadge sent Faithful Friend Standing Spray for Billy Gene Talmadge - December 21, 2022

To: Papa From: Gabriel, Brittany, & Benton We will love you everyday papa.
Lindsey,Chandler and Baylie planted 5 trees in memory of Billy Gene Talmadge . - December 26, 2022