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July 7, 1925 – June 6, 1944
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Jack Ramon Billings was my uncle, but I never met him. He died serving in World War II at Normandy Beach, June 6, 1944.
Jack was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada in 1925. He was the third and last child of William and Ariel Watson Billings. In 1928, Jack moved with his family–his parents, sister Ariel Eileen and brother George William (Bill)–to Detroit, Michigan.
As a young boy, Jack often had a difficult time following the rules. He didn’t like elementary school and often would sneak out and return home to his mother. Unfortunately, their house was across the street from the school, so even as a small child, he could skip school and still find his way home.
When he was 16, Jack went to work for the Don Cartage company, where he drove large flatbed and semi-trucks. He often kidded that he never wanted to wear a suit to work as his brother did. He was a fun-loving jokester, and enjoyed wrestling around and kidding with his siblings and buddies.
Jack turned 18 on July 10, 1943 and was drafted into the Army. There was never an exact accounting of what happened to him on D-Day, but several buddies who were there say Jack never made it off the boat.
He was mourned by his parents, sisters, brother and friends.
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