Charles (Charlie) Edward Billiard, 96, of Peachtree City, Ga. died peacefully in his sleep Monday, August, 26, 2013.
He was born August 1, 1917 in Wabash, Ind. Charles was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. His early years were spent on a farm where he loved to explore.
One month after his high school graduation, he attended Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. where he attained both his BS and MA in education. On June 29, 1941 Charles married the love of his life, Elinor (Elle) White. Charles received his PHD in English at Perdue University where he was a graduate assistant, then a graduate instructor at Perdue. He also achieved PHI DELTA KAPPA status.
After completing studies in meteorology, a great interest of his, he enjoyed 10 years at a local radio station, WOWO, in Fort Wayne, Ind. doing the daily forecast while he was also teaching English and History at Perdue. Charles then entered WWII joined the Army-Air Force where he helped to write the weather manuals used by weather forecasters on the front lines. He earned the rank of Colonel. He served 26 years and 7 months. During his tour he was in the Korean War, The Cuban Missile Crisis.
He served one year in Spain where a few young men volunteered for the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. He received a three year grant to study dialects in the mid-west During the early 70’s he taught English Composition at Georgia State University. He retired in 1982. He was a member of Peachtree City United Methodist Church, Peachtree City Kiawanis Club and, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Billiard; mother, Lucy Billiard; brother, Lewis Tedford Billiard; sister, Betty Freige; daughter, Marcia Crutchfiled Loyd; and his beloved wife of 65 years, Elinor Billiard.
He is survived by his daughter, Delores Gilmore; sisters-in-law, Sherely White and Delores Billiard; grandchildren, Michele Hand, Leesa Robertson, Greg Crutchfield; 6 great-grandchildren, Brittany and Cassidy Lester, Ethan and Carson Robertson, Cameron and Chase Crutchfield, and nephew, Lynn Billiard.
The visitation will be held at Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City, Ga. on Friday, August 30, 2013 from 6 – 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Peachtree City United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church or to the ASPCA.
