Dewie F. Billingsley, age 72, died July 6 at Island Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born June 5, 1931 in Jackson County, Tenn., the son of John and Martha (White) Billingsley.

Following graduation from Central High School in Putnam County, Tenn., in 1950, he served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed at Puget Sound Naval Station and after mustering out, remained in the Northwest.

He worked in the heating oil business on Bainbridge Island for 30 years, retiring in 1987 from Pacific Coast Hemphill Oil Co.

He enjoyed fishing, his grandchildren and returning to Tennessee each year to visit family.

He is survived by five daughters, Kathleen Flores, Port Orchard; Peggy Ryan, Kuna, Idaho; Barbara Hartman, Poulsbo; Jacqueline Gaedke, Silverdale; Caroline Church, Gig Harbor; three brothers, Ralph Billingsley, Cookeville, Tenn.; Burnice Billingsley, Nashville, Tenn.; Shirley Billingsley, Cookeville, Tenn.; one sister, Kathleen Cowan, Cookeville, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held July 12 at Whitson Funeral Home, Cookeville, Tenn., with burial to follow at J.J. White Cemetery in Cookeville.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island.