MACON - Albert Billingslea, age 82, died at his home in Macon on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Services will be 12 Noon Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the Macon City Auditorium. Burial in Middle Georgia Memory Gardens, 3225 Joycliff Road, Macon, GA 31211.
Albert Billingslea was born, raised and educated in the Pleasant Hill Section of Macon, Georgia. Born third of five children, Albert was right in the middle of his four siblings with an older brother and sister, and a younger brother and sister to contend with. Perhaps it was this middle position among his brothers and sisters that came to characterize his even temperament and calm middle of the road demeanor that served him so well all of his life. Albert's father Sebron was an automobile mechanic and local business man, and his mother Rosa, a homemaker. Rosa and Sebron instilled a sense of self-sufficiency and drove home a message espousing the importance of education in all of their children. Albert took their upbringing to heart, and was determined to become as independent and self sufficient as possible. This was an astonishing revelation and position for a young black man in the depression era Pleasant Hill community of Macon Georgia. In addition to requiring their children to complete their education, the Billingslea's insisted that they give back to the community with a commitment to public service. Albert graduated from Bibb County's Hudson High School in 1945, demonstrating a strong interest in and a talent for building construction. His teachers at Hudson High often remarked about his focus, motivation and his drive to be successful at whatever he undertook.
Like many post-World War II young black men in the Deep South, Albert believed his fortune lay elsewhere and he headed north to seek it. After five years he would return to Macon to raise a family, start a business, and to give back to this community some of what the community had given to him. He would not leave again. In 1948 Albert married Margaret Redding, a Hudson High School alumna. Margaret was an underclassman a couple of years behind Albert at Hudson High. They were acquainted in high school but their romance kindled after Margaret graduated in 1947. Together they raised four daughters and now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Margaret has been the most important driving force in Albert's life for over sixty-two years, and is equally responsible for his success in business and at home.
In 1950 Albert entered the construction business in Macon with a partner. Though successful, the partners soon went their separate ways and Billingslea Construction was founded. As an entrepreneur Albert was on his way, never to look back. He would later establish several successful businesses in Macon and the local architectural landscape abounds with his handiwork. The development of residential communities in Pleasant Hill and, to a lesser extent, in Shurlington was advanced largely because of the work done by Billingslea Construction in those neighborhoods throughout the late 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. Albert's reputation and that of Billingslea Construction grew. Albert was known to be a talented builder, an excellent businessman, and a fair and honest developer respected by clients, lenders, other builders, and the business community in general. As Albert's reputation grew, Billingslea Construction moved into commercial building. Many of Macon's historically black churches as well as a number of white churches were built by Billingslea Construction. St. Luke Baptist Church, Bellevue Baptist Church, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, and Allen Chapel AME Church are a representative sampling of Billingslea Construction's work in Macon. In addition to his bread and butter interest in building construction, Albert would found and operate Ebony Bonding Company, and later leverage his construction interests with the founding of Brown and Billingslea Real Estate in the early 1990's. His success as a businessman insured a good life for Albert and his family, but it is his successful commitment to community service that was the source of most pride for Albert.
Growing up in depression-era Macon, Georgia was a challenge for any black man, and perhaps led to Albert's lifelong commitment to the struggle for civil rights for blacks. In Macon, Georgia that struggle was at once simple and at the same time complex. Blacks needed paved streets in their communities, recreational facilities like those in white neighborhoods, and a public school system that was integrated and open to all citizens. Albert was at the forefront of the fight to achieve these basic human rights for all of Macon's citizens. Albert was the first Maconite to hold a lifetime membership in the NAACP. He joined the Macon chapter in the 1950's and served in various capacities within the organization including serving as President of the Macon chapter in 1972. In 1980 Albert turned his interests to elective politics. He had always been active in local politics but had never before sought public office. Albert ran successfully for election to the Bibb County Board of Commissioners in 1980 and served there with distinction for sixteen years. In 1996 he stepped down after a distinguished career on the board. His tenure was characterized by his service as chairman of every important committee and as Chairman of the Commission after the passing of long time Chairman Emory Green. His service on the Bibb County Commission led to many awards and honors, in fact too numerous to mention, but here are a few. Albert served on the Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission for several years, serving as Chairman in 1975, the Mercer University Board of Governors in 1981, appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris to the Georgia Development Authority in 1983, received the AME Church's Award for Exceptional Community Service in 1987, Outstanding Member of Allen Chapel AME Church in 1993, and appointed to the Georgia State Board of Education by Governor Zell Miller in 1995. These awards highlight a long and distinguished career in business and community service for one of Macon Georgia's most respected public servants.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margaret Billingslea; daughters, Karen Billingslea (Winford) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Margaret Rose Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; Paula Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; aunt, Alma Johnson of Macon, Georgia; sister Harriett Merriweather of Toledo, Ohio; four grandchildren Ricketta Webb of Macon, GA, Erin Lucas of Washington, D.C., Moses Jordan of Macon, GA, Michael Jordan of Macon, GA; three great grandchildren Adrian, Amanda, and Ashley Howard of Macon, GA; God Children Virgil Adams, Paula Adams, and Tameiko Lindsey of Macon, GA and a host of other relatives and friends. Albert was pre-deceased by his first born daughter Linda Ivey in September 2000.
Albert Billingslea was born, raised and educated in the Pleasant Hill Section of Macon, Georgia. Born third of five children, Albert was right in the middle of his four siblings with an older brother and sister, and a younger brother and sister to contend with. Perhaps it was this middle position among his brothers and sisters that came to characterize his even temperament and calm middle of the road demeanor that served him so well all of his life. Albert's father Sebron was an automobile mechanic and local business man, and his mother Rosa, a homemaker. Rosa and Sebron instilled a sense of self-sufficiency and drove home a message espousing the importance of education in all of their children. Albert took their upbringing to heart, and was determined to become as independent and self sufficient as possible. This was an astonishing revelation and position for a young black man in the depression era Pleasant Hill community of Macon Georgia. In addition to requiring their children to complete their education, the Billingslea's insisted that they give back to the community with a commitment to public service. Albert graduated from Bibb County's Hudson High School in 1945, demonstrating a strong interest in and a talent for building construction. His teachers at Hudson High often remarked about his focus, motivation and his drive to be successful at whatever he undertook.
Like many post-World War II young black men in the Deep South, Albert believed his fortune lay elsewhere and he headed north to seek it. After five years he would return to Macon to raise a family, start a business, and to give back to this community some of what the community had given to him. He would not leave again. In 1948 Albert married Margaret Redding, a Hudson High School alumna. Margaret was an underclassman a couple of years behind Albert at Hudson High. They were acquainted in high school but their romance kindled after Margaret graduated in 1947. Together they raised four daughters and now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Margaret has been the most important driving force in Albert's life for over sixty-two years, and is equally responsible for his success in business and at home.
In 1950 Albert entered the construction business in Macon with a partner. Though successful, the partners soon went their separate ways and Billingslea Construction was founded. As an entrepreneur Albert was on his way, never to look back. He would later establish several successful businesses in Macon and the local architectural landscape abounds with his handiwork. The development of residential communities in Pleasant Hill and, to a lesser extent, in Shurlington was advanced largely because of the work done by Billingslea Construction in those neighborhoods throughout the late 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. Albert's reputation and that of Billingslea Construction grew. Albert was known to be a talented builder, an excellent businessman, and a fair and honest developer respected by clients, lenders, other builders, and the business community in general. As Albert's reputation grew, Billingslea Construction moved into commercial building. Many of Macon's historically black churches as well as a number of white churches were built by Billingslea Construction. St. Luke Baptist Church, Bellevue Baptist Church, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, and Allen Chapel AME Church are a representative sampling of Billingslea Construction's work in Macon. In addition to his bread and butter interest in building construction, Albert would found and operate Ebony Bonding Company, and later leverage his construction interests with the founding of Brown and Billingslea Real Estate in the early 1990's. His success as a businessman insured a good life for Albert and his family, but it is his successful commitment to community service that was the source of most pride for Albert.
Growing up in depression-era Macon, Georgia was a challenge for any black man, and perhaps led to Albert's lifelong commitment to the struggle for civil rights for blacks. In Macon, Georgia that struggle was at once simple and at the same time complex. Blacks needed paved streets in their communities, recreational facilities like those in white neighborhoods, and a public school system that was integrated and open to all citizens. Albert was at the forefront of the fight to achieve these basic human rights for all of Macon's citizens. Albert was the first Maconite to hold a lifetime membership in the NAACP. He joined the Macon chapter in the 1950's and served in various capacities within the organization including serving as President of the Macon chapter in 1972. In 1980 Albert turned his interests to elective politics. He had always been active in local politics but had never before sought public office. Albert ran successfully for election to the Bibb County Board of Commissioners in 1980 and served there with distinction for sixteen years. In 1996 he stepped down after a distinguished career on the board. His tenure was characterized by his service as chairman of every important committee and as Chairman of the Commission after the passing of long time Chairman Emory Green. His service on the Bibb County Commission led to many awards and honors, in fact too numerous to mention, but here are a few. Albert served on the Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission for several years, serving as Chairman in 1975, the Mercer University Board of Governors in 1981, appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris to the Georgia Development Authority in 1983, received the AME Church's Award for Exceptional Community Service in 1987, Outstanding Member of Allen Chapel AME Church in 1993, and appointed to the Georgia State Board of Education by Governor Zell Miller in 1995. These awards highlight a long and distinguished career in business and community service for one of Macon Georgia's most respected public servants.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margaret Billingslea; daughters, Karen Billingslea (Winford) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Margaret Rose Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; Paula Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; aunt, Alma Johnson of Macon, Georgia; sister Harriett Merriweather of Toledo, Ohio; four grandchildren Ricketta Webb of Macon, GA, Erin Lucas of Washington, D.C., Moses Jordan of Macon, GA, Michael Jordan of Macon, GA; three great grandchildren Adrian, Amanda, and Ashley Howard of Macon, GA; God Children Virgil Adams, Paula Adams, and Tameiko Lindsey of Macon, GA and a host of other relatives and friends. Albert was pre-deceased by his first born daughter Linda Ivey in September 2000.
MACON - Albert Billingslea, age 82, died at his home in Macon on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Services will be 12 Noon Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the Macon City Auditorium. Burial in Middle Georgia Memory Gardens, 3225 Joycliff Road, Macon, GA 31211.
Albert Billingslea was born, raised and educated in the Pleasant Hill Section of Macon, Georgia. Born third of five children, Albert was right in the middle of his four siblings with an older brother and sister, and a younger brother and sister to contend with. Perhaps it was this middle position among his brothers and sisters that came to characterize his even temperament and calm middle of the road demeanor that served him so well all of his life. Albert's father Sebron was an automobile mechanic and local business man, and his mother Rosa, a homemaker. Rosa and Sebron instilled a sense of self-sufficiency and drove home a message espousing the importance of education in all of their children. Albert took their upbringing to heart, and was determined to become as independent and self sufficient as possible. This was an astonishing revelation and position for a young black man in the depression era Pleasant Hill community of Macon Georgia. In addition to requiring their children to complete their education, the Billingslea's insisted that they give back to the community with a commitment to public service. Albert graduated from Bibb County's Hudson High School in 1945, demonstrating a strong interest in and a talent for building construction. His teachers at Hudson High often remarked about his focus, motivation and his drive to be successful at whatever he undertook.
Like many post-World War II young black men in the Deep South, Albert believed his fortune lay elsewhere and he headed north to seek it. After five years he would return to Macon to raise a family, start a business, and to give back to this community some of what the community had given to him. He would not leave again. In 1948 Albert married Margaret Redding, a Hudson High School alumna. Margaret was an underclassman a couple of years behind Albert at Hudson High. They were acquainted in high school but their romance kindled after Margaret graduated in 1947. Together they raised four daughters and now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Margaret has been the most important driving force in Albert's life for over sixty-two years, and is equally responsible for his success in business and at home.
In 1950 Albert entered the construction business in Macon with a partner. Though successful, the partners soon went their separate ways and Billingslea Construction was founded. As an entrepreneur Albert was on his way, never to look back. He would later establish several successful businesses in Macon and the local architectural landscape abounds with his handiwork. The development of residential communities in Pleasant Hill and, to a lesser extent, in Shurlington was advanced largely because of the work done by Billingslea Construction in those neighborhoods throughout the late 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. Albert's reputation and that of Billingslea Construction grew. Albert was known to be a talented builder, an excellent businessman, and a fair and honest developer respected by clients, lenders, other builders, and the business community in general. As Albert's reputation grew, Billingslea Construction moved into commercial building. Many of Macon's historically black churches as well as a number of white churches were built by Billingslea Construction. St. Luke Baptist Church, Bellevue Baptist Church, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, and Allen Chapel AME Church are a representative sampling of Billingslea Construction's work in Macon. In addition to his bread and butter interest in building construction, Albert would found and operate Ebony Bonding Company, and later leverage his construction interests with the founding of Brown and Billingslea Real Estate in the early 1990's. His success as a businessman insured a good life for Albert and his family, but it is his successful commitment to community service that was the source of most pride for Albert.
Growing up in depression-era Macon, Georgia was a challenge for any black man, and perhaps led to Albert's lifelong commitment to the struggle for civil rights for blacks. In Macon, Georgia that struggle was at once simple and at the same time complex. Blacks needed paved streets in their communities, recreational facilities like those in white neighborhoods, and a public school system that was integrated and open to all citizens. Albert was at the forefront of the fight to achieve these basic human rights for all of Macon's citizens. Albert was the first Maconite to hold a lifetime membership in the NAACP. He joined the Macon chapter in the 1950's and served in various capacities within the organization including serving as President of the Macon chapter in 1972. In 1980 Albert turned his interests to elective politics. He had always been active in local politics but had never before sought public office. Albert ran successfully for election to the Bibb County Board of Commissioners in 1980 and served there with distinction for sixteen years. In 1996 he stepped down after a distinguished career on the board. His tenure was characterized by his service as chairman of every important committee and as Chairman of the Commission after the passing of long time Chairman Emory Green. His service on the Bibb County Commission led to many awards and honors, in fact too numerous to mention, but here are a few. Albert served on the Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission for several years, serving as Chairman in 1975, the Mercer University Board of Governors in 1981, appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris to the Georgia Development Authority in 1983, received the AME Church's Award for Exceptional Community Service in 1987, Outstanding Member of Allen Chapel AME Church in 1993, and appointed to the Georgia State Board of Education by Governor Zell Miller in 1995. These awards highlight a long and distinguished career in business and community service for one of Macon Georgia's most respected public servants.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margaret Billingslea; daughters, Karen Billingslea (Winford) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Margaret Rose Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; Paula Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; aunt, Alma Johnson of Macon, Georgia; sister Harriett Merriweather of Toledo, Ohio; four grandchildren Ricketta Webb of Macon, GA, Erin Lucas of Washington, D.C., Moses Jordan of Macon, GA, Michael Jordan of Macon, GA; three great grandchildren Adrian, Amanda, and Ashley Howard of Macon, GA; God Children Virgil Adams, Paula Adams, and Tameiko Lindsey of Macon, GA and a host of other relatives and friends. Albert was pre-deceased by his first born daughter Linda Ivey in September 2000.
Albert Billingslea was born, raised and educated in the Pleasant Hill Section of Macon, Georgia. Born third of five children, Albert was right in the middle of his four siblings with an older brother and sister, and a younger brother and sister to contend with. Perhaps it was this middle position among his brothers and sisters that came to characterize his even temperament and calm middle of the road demeanor that served him so well all of his life. Albert's father Sebron was an automobile mechanic and local business man, and his mother Rosa, a homemaker. Rosa and Sebron instilled a sense of self-sufficiency and drove home a message espousing the importance of education in all of their children. Albert took their upbringing to heart, and was determined to become as independent and self sufficient as possible. This was an astonishing revelation and position for a young black man in the depression era Pleasant Hill community of Macon Georgia. In addition to requiring their children to complete their education, the Billingslea's insisted that they give back to the community with a commitment to public service. Albert graduated from Bibb County's Hudson High School in 1945, demonstrating a strong interest in and a talent for building construction. His teachers at Hudson High often remarked about his focus, motivation and his drive to be successful at whatever he undertook.
Like many post-World War II young black men in the Deep South, Albert believed his fortune lay elsewhere and he headed north to seek it. After five years he would return to Macon to raise a family, start a business, and to give back to this community some of what the community had given to him. He would not leave again. In 1948 Albert married Margaret Redding, a Hudson High School alumna. Margaret was an underclassman a couple of years behind Albert at Hudson High. They were acquainted in high school but their romance kindled after Margaret graduated in 1947. Together they raised four daughters and now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Margaret has been the most important driving force in Albert's life for over sixty-two years, and is equally responsible for his success in business and at home.
In 1950 Albert entered the construction business in Macon with a partner. Though successful, the partners soon went their separate ways and Billingslea Construction was founded. As an entrepreneur Albert was on his way, never to look back. He would later establish several successful businesses in Macon and the local architectural landscape abounds with his handiwork. The development of residential communities in Pleasant Hill and, to a lesser extent, in Shurlington was advanced largely because of the work done by Billingslea Construction in those neighborhoods throughout the late 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. Albert's reputation and that of Billingslea Construction grew. Albert was known to be a talented builder, an excellent businessman, and a fair and honest developer respected by clients, lenders, other builders, and the business community in general. As Albert's reputation grew, Billingslea Construction moved into commercial building. Many of Macon's historically black churches as well as a number of white churches were built by Billingslea Construction. St. Luke Baptist Church, Bellevue Baptist Church, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, and Allen Chapel AME Church are a representative sampling of Billingslea Construction's work in Macon. In addition to his bread and butter interest in building construction, Albert would found and operate Ebony Bonding Company, and later leverage his construction interests with the founding of Brown and Billingslea Real Estate in the early 1990's. His success as a businessman insured a good life for Albert and his family, but it is his successful commitment to community service that was the source of most pride for Albert.
Growing up in depression-era Macon, Georgia was a challenge for any black man, and perhaps led to Albert's lifelong commitment to the struggle for civil rights for blacks. In Macon, Georgia that struggle was at once simple and at the same time complex. Blacks needed paved streets in their communities, recreational facilities like those in white neighborhoods, and a public school system that was integrated and open to all citizens. Albert was at the forefront of the fight to achieve these basic human rights for all of Macon's citizens. Albert was the first Maconite to hold a lifetime membership in the NAACP. He joined the Macon chapter in the 1950's and served in various capacities within the organization including serving as President of the Macon chapter in 1972. In 1980 Albert turned his interests to elective politics. He had always been active in local politics but had never before sought public office. Albert ran successfully for election to the Bibb County Board of Commissioners in 1980 and served there with distinction for sixteen years. In 1996 he stepped down after a distinguished career on the board. His tenure was characterized by his service as chairman of every important committee and as Chairman of the Commission after the passing of long time Chairman Emory Green. His service on the Bibb County Commission led to many awards and honors, in fact too numerous to mention, but here are a few. Albert served on the Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission for several years, serving as Chairman in 1975, the Mercer University Board of Governors in 1981, appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris to the Georgia Development Authority in 1983, received the AME Church's Award for Exceptional Community Service in 1987, Outstanding Member of Allen Chapel AME Church in 1993, and appointed to the Georgia State Board of Education by Governor Zell Miller in 1995. These awards highlight a long and distinguished career in business and community service for one of Macon Georgia's most respected public servants.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margaret Billingslea; daughters, Karen Billingslea (Winford) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Margaret Rose Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; Paula Billingslea of Macon, Georgia; aunt, Alma Johnson of Macon, Georgia; sister Harriett Merriweather of Toledo, Ohio; four grandchildren Ricketta Webb of Macon, GA, Erin Lucas of Washington, D.C., Moses Jordan of Macon, GA, Michael Jordan of Macon, GA; three great grandchildren Adrian, Amanda, and Ashley Howard of Macon, GA; God Children Virgil Adams, Paula Adams, and Tameiko Lindsey of Macon, GA and a host of other relatives and friends. Albert was pre-deceased by his first born daughter Linda Ivey in September 2000.
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