Thomas Hadley Billings

Captain Thomas Hadley Billings, USN (Ret.), age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Annapolis, Maryland, on January 24, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, shipmate, and friend. He lived a life anchored in service — to his country, to his family, and to his faith. Those who knew him remember a man of integrity, humility, humor, and unwavering devotion, whose example shaped three generations.

Tom was born on May 13, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, the first of two sons born to Elton Billings and Lora Genevieve Hadley. He grew up in a close-knit family that valued effort, faith, and responsibility — values he carried throughout his life. After attending UCLA for one year, Tom earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in General Engineering and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Supply Corps, beginning a distinguished nearly 30-year military career.

Tom continued his education throughout his service, earning a Master of Science in Computer Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1971 and a Master of Science in Executive Management from the Industrial College of Armed Forces in 1977. His assignments took him and his family across the country and around the world, including tours aboard USS Calcaterra and USS Truxtun, and key leadership roles at Naval Station Newport, Cruiser Destroyer Forces Pacific, Navy Material Command, and Naval Supply Centers in Long Beach and Oakland. He served as Commanding Officer of the Naval Supply Depot in Yokosuka, Japan, from 1983 to 1985, one of the highlights of his career. His final assignment was as Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply, Financial Management, and Automated Data Processing on the staff of Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Over the course of his career, he earned some of the Navy’s most respected personal decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. He retired from active duty in 1987 with the respect of the sailors and officers he led, mentored, and served alongside.

Following his Navy retirement, Tom began a second career with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), serving first as Manager of Company Service Centers and later as Deputy Manager of Systems Engineering. He worked with SAIC for 12 years before retiring fully in 2000.

Tom and his wife, Shirley, created a warm and welcoming home wherever they lived. Their home in San Marcos, CA became the center of joyful summers filled with grandkids, poolside laughter, music, and the beloved family tradition known as “BAM” — the Billings-Andrews-Mickle amateur show, where family members of all ages performed skits, songs, and comedy. Those evenings became treasured memories and reflected Tom’s love of family and his playful spirit.

A man of deep and steady faith, Tom served in numerous church leadership roles over the years, always with humility and a desire to serve. He also loved attending Naval Academy Class of 1959 tailgates, cheering on Navy football with lifelong friends. He was a skilled ukulele player and a master of the well-timed “dad joke.” His children often recognized the gleam in his eye that signaled a punchline was coming — even when he tried to deliver it with complete stealth.

Tom married Shirley Steele on June 20, 1959, and they shared 60 years of devoted partnership until her passing in 2019. In 2021, he married Ona Truax, a cherished family friend since their Academy days in the 1950s. Ona brought companionship, joy, and loving care into Tom’s final years, and their time together was a blessing to both families.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley and by his son, Thomas Hadley Billings II, who passed away in 2022. He is survived by his wife, Ona Truax Billings, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; his daughters Kimberly Billings Andrews (Steve R. Andrews) and Robin Billings Mickle (William Y. Mickle II); his brother Robert A. Billings (Kathleen); six grandchildren — Daniel Andrews (Leah), Timothy Andrews (Meghan), Nicholas Andrews (Torri); William Mickle (Daniela), Anne O’Doherty (Patrick), David Mickle (Victoria); and twelve great-grandchildren: Jace, Weston, Everett, Penelope, Kailyn, Declan, Jack, Peyton, Keonna, Parker, Logan, and Hadley.

Tom lived his life with purpose, gentleness, humility, and faith. He served his country with honor, loved his family with his whole heart, and left a legacy of integrity, devotion and family that will continue to guide those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to causes meaningful to Tom’s life and legacy:

U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Foundation, Class of 1959

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

https://t2t.org/