Hardin “Tony” Billingsley
Hardin “Tony” Billingsley, 77, a resident of Webster, TX went home to meet his Lord on April 7, 2021 in Webster, TX. Tony was born in Mobil, AL on July 14, 1943. He received his bachelor’s degree at Troy State University in Alabama and earned a National Foundation grant for his master’s degree at the University of Chicago in Champaign Urbana, IL. In his career, Tony was a math teacher for 10 years, and an IT Director at AIG in Houston, TX for 35 years.
Tony and Pam attended Clearlake Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. Tony along with Pam also served as Stephen’s Ministers and played an active role on the Care Team. Tony’s interests were his God, his family, square dancing and cruising. Tony had a blessed and filled life.
Tony leaves a legacy of Love for his Lord, his family, and everyone he touched.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Jimmie Billingsley, and sister, Deborah Billingsley.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Pamela Billingsley; daughters: Michelle Painter, husband Jimmie, and Maria Williams, husband Anthony; son, Murry Billingsley, wife Melody; sisters: Ann Thomason, and Becky Pursley; brother, Norman Billingsley as well as 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held at Confederate Cemetery in Alvin, TX. A Celebration of Tony’s Life will be held at Clearlake Presbyterian Church on April 13, 2021 at 4:00pm.
Tony was loved and respected at AIG/VALIC. He interviewed me for a programmer position in 1993 and I learned much from him during the subsequent 20+ years. He inspired me and it felt good to earn his approval for hard work. I am better for having known Tony.
I worked with Tony at VALIC on many projects. He was such a nice person and easy to work with. We all learned so much from him. Sorry for your loss.
AIG/VALIC was a better place because of Tony’s contribution and presence. He is tops in my book of leaders. His patience, kindness, ability and willingness to teach and mentor others are just a few of his great qualities. His legacy will live on in the minds of so many forever. To paraphrase a line from one of my favorite musicals.. “Because we knew you…. VALIC has been changed for the better”.
Almighty God, we remember before today Your faithful servant Tony and we pray that having opened to Tony the gates of a larger life, You will receive Tony more and more into Your joyful service, that all who have faithfully served You in the past, Tony may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ of Lord, who lives and resigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen
May God and all His wisdom be with you Pam and all your family.
Blessings & Love. If you ever need anything, we’re just a phone call away.
Dear Pam and family,
I am saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. What a gentleman and friend he was. Lee and I enjoyed our friendship with you both, and really appreciate the attention you gave us as beginning square dancers. I treasure our time together with you both.
Many blessings,
Nancy Hoover
Tony was a wonderful associate at VALIC. Michelle, and the remainder of the family, you. are in my prayers. May your good memories warm your hearts.
Tony was a sweet friend, and showed much care for everyone. He was also a very patient person, and was so helpful during the square dance classes, helping the new dancers “get it right”, as they were learning the steps. I had a wardrobe malfunction, one evening when I was round dancing with him. I simply said, “Tony, wait a minute.” He patiently waited while I quickly fixed the problem, then we continued dancing, laughing about my fixed problem. Pam May or may not remember that, but she also had a good laugh.
Pam is a precious friend, and is loved by many. She knows we are with her. Our Lord is taking great care of her as He has Tony with him.
Lots of Love to Pam and all their family.
Cindy🙏🍓😌
I knew I liked Tony almost immediately when he came to SFA University in 1986 to interview students for positions at VALIC. He asked straight forward probing questions about my classes and problem solving, which was so much different from other interviewers which asked weird personality questions like “what words would you put on a road side billboard to describe yourself”. I knew after talking to Tony I wanted to work at VALIC. Also, at the time I thought it was amazing that Tony found and was bold enough to wear a suede purple jacket that matched SFA’s very bold purple colors perfectly during the interview. During our 25-year working relationship Tony was always just like the man that interviewed me – straight forward, intelligent, and a genuinely nice person. Also, it turned out that Tony actually liked that suede purple jacket and he wore it occasionally to work. I still smile to myself and fondly think of Tony when I see someone in a purple jacket. I envision Tony in heaven wearing cowboy boots, that jacket and helping someone solve a complex problem.
So sorry for your loss. What a loss it is. Such a bright, positive, kind, and giving person. He helped so many people at VALIC and was a source of inspiration to many. I know he loved his square dancing, crossword puzzles and his family. All the best to you.
Pam & family
So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. We will always remember his kindness
& thoughtfulness to new dancers. May he join the “heavenly dance group” and we will look forward to joining him again someday in our heavenly home. God bless you with peace & comfort during g this time of great loss.
Pease
Richard & Sharon Talbot