Bruce Alan Billings | Eastern NC Now

    Bruce Alan Billings, 75, of Cypress Landing, Chocowinity, NC, lost a courageous 5 year battle against esophageal cancer on Monday, August 18, 2014.

    Born at Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY, he spent his formative years in the LaSalle section of Niagara Falls. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in economics, and also graduated in the USMC Platoon Leaders Class. After graduation, he commenced working at his father's insurance agency. He was soon recruited by the Minute Man Group of New England insurance companies, returning to western NY in 1969 with the purchase of the Golnick Insurance Agency of Amherst, NY. Over the years, he grew the company through purchase, partnerships and various forms of corporate ownership eventually resulting in "The Billings Companies", an underwriting and consulting firm. Bruce retired as President and CEO in 1994. He pursued other insurance interests from his home in Orchard Park, NY, but finally retired in 2005, with his wife Beverly, to Cypress Landing in Beaufort County, NC.

    In business and community, Bruce was a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary past president, and a past member of Niagara Falls, Buffalo Morning and Washington, NC noon Rotary clubs. Bruce served for many years as treasurer of Planned Parenthood of Western NY and treasurer of the Niagara County Council of Girl Scouts. He was also a life member and past officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital. Bruce also sat on the board of Niagara Frontier Methodist Homes, aka, Beechwood Nursing Homes.

    He served his profession well, as a charter officer of the society of Certified Insurance Counselors, a director of the Independent Insurance Agents of NY, and as a member of the advisory boards of CNA Insurance, INA Insurance and the Minute Man Companies.

    An avid sailor and yachtsman, Bruce was never far from water and/or a boat. He was a past member of the Youngstown Yacht Club, Sandy Beach Yacht Club, LaSalle Yacht Club, Washington, NC Yacht & Country Club, Lakes Yacht Racing Association, Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron and many others. He was also a member of the Orchard Park Country Club.

    Bruce leaves behind, his wife, Beverly Wendt Billings of Chocowinity, NC, his brother William E. Billings, MD of Walnut Creek, CA, two sons: Bruce A. Billings, Jr., of Ketchum, Idaho, and Brian S. Billings, DC of Gilbert, AZ.

    The family would like to thank Dr. Paul R. Walker, Director of Thoracic Oncology at Leo Jenkins Cancer Center, for his compassionate care. Funeral arrangements are private.