William Earl Billingsley

Pastor William Earl Billingsley, age 61, of Riverdale, GA, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2019. There are many things to be said about William: he was brilliant, humble, articulate, creative, inspiring, and humorous. He was also exceptionally organized and liked to color code everything! William was seen by many as a consultant. He was an influential activist for the DeKalb and surrounding communities, taking part in numerous organizations, such as the Georgia Fatherhood Program which focuses on uplifting children who grow up without prominent male figures in their lives. As an entrepreneur, he founded Hope Counseling and Care Ministry and WEB Ministries. He was the Pastor of Joy of the Lord Evangelistic Ministry before becoming an active part of leadership at Christian Growth Ministries, Inc. While he wasn’t busy helping to make the world a better place, you could find him watching sports or his favorite movies, The Avengers saga. William is preceded in death by his parents, Ford and Marie Wilson and William and Dorothy Baker and his sister, Joyce Baker-Carroll. He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Martalyn Billingsley; his children, Michael (Shanell) Green, Regina (Dimetrius) Johnson, Rachel (Julius) Murphy, Peter (Samantha) Stephens, Jr., Robert Stephens, and Daniel Farquharson; his siblings, Lane Billingsley, Jr., Reggie Wilson, Charles Baker, Ingrid Brundige, Michelle Baker, Sheryl Baker, Patricia (Milton) Baker, Gwendolyn Baker-McDaniel, Sonya Baker, Reginald Baker; God sisters, Roscelia Burney and Theresa Hampton; his 3 grandchildren, Mikayla Green, Sophia Stephens, and Victoria Stephens; and numerous other loved ones and friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 5 pm until 9 pm. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 3 pm with Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson officiating. A graveside service will be held immediately following the service. Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.whitleygarner.com Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, (770) 942-4246