Deacon John Nelson Billups

Deacon John Nelson Billups passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 8525 N. 78th St., Tampa, FL 33619, with Pastor Kaleb Barnum, Officiating. Interment will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

Deacon John Nelson Billups was born on October 9, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, to James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Warren Billups. A proud graduate of Blake Senior High School, Class of 1961, John’s commitment to his community began early. As a high school student, he was one of 40 students who participated in the Woolworth Counter Sit-In, an act of courage that helped advance the movement to integrate the city of Tampa.

Following high school, John proudly served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. While stationed in Big Spring, Texas, he met and married Patricia Ann Billups. They shared 23 years of marriage and were blessed with three children: Lawrence, Yolanda, and Jacqueline. John was deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War and traveled with his family throughout his military assignments. His years of service reflected the discipline, dedication, and responsibility that defined his life.

After completing his military service, John continued his career with FedEx. In 1986, he married Virginia Gail Billups and welcomed two stepdaughters, Vivian and Tamara, into his family, embracing them with love.

John’s faith was an important part of his life. He became a dedicated member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, where he served in numerous capacities, including Head Deacon. His service reflected the same generosity and willingness to help others that he carried throughout his life.

To his family, friends, church, and community, John was a leader, protector, and pillar of strength. He had a generous heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a gift for making people feel welcome. He loved to laugh, enjoyed a good party, and especially cherished traveling and making memories with his brothers.

On Friday, August 14, 2026, Deacon John Nelson Billups peacefully transitioned from this life to be with the Lord. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his love and the memories he created will live on through generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Warren Billups; his brothers, James W. Billups Jr., Marion Billups Sr., Allen Billups, and Joseph Billups; his sisters, Pauline Williams, Patricia Billups Wilson, and Mable Billups; his first wife, Patricia Ann Billups; and his wife, Virginia Gail Billups.

John leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Lewis Billups and Homer Billups (Sarah); his son, Lawrence Billups (Latrice); his daughters, Yolanda Billups and Jacqueline Billups; his stepdaughters, Vivian Alvarez and Tamara Estrill-Lett (Jearl); his grandchildren, Savina Billups, LeMecia Billups, and Dot’Neia Billups (Cody); step-grandchildren, Christian Alvarez (Emily), Darren Alvarez (Jasalyn), Lea Estrill, Alec Estrill, and Noah Lett; his great-grandchildren, Atticus Hill and Octavius Hill; step-great-grandchildren, Hailey Alvarez, Aiden Alvarez, and Luka Alvarez; his girlfriend, Connie Curtis; honorary grandchildren, Adrienne Blackwell, Mesha Harden, Endia Harris, Christopher Thomas, and Amber Robinson; honorary great-grandchildren, Kamryn Nelson, Gabriel Evans, Madason Robinson, and Joseph Robinson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Angie, Helen, Kareen, Jennifer, and Michelle for the love, compassion, patience, and dedicated care they provided to John in his home over the past several years. Your kindness allowed him to remain at home surrounded by comfort and familiarity, and we will forever be grateful for the dignity, respect, and love you showed him.

Deacon John Nelson Billups will forever be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His life was one of service, faith, resilience, laughter, and love. His legacy lives on in the people he influenced, the family he cherished, and the countless memories he created.

Rest peacefully, Deacon Billups. Your work here is done, your legacy remains, and you will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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