Harry Ray Billups, 87 of Fyre Lake, Sherrard, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2024, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Preemption Cemetery.   A memorial fund will be established, with details to be determined at a later date.

Harry was born June 20, 1936, in Stronghurst, Illinois, the oldest son of Walter and Margaret (Peg) Billups.  Harry's early education was in the Stronghurst school system.  In 1955, he entered the Navy and served for four years, two of which were as a radio operator on a flight crew stationed in Maine and Iceland.  In 1958, he married Rose Marie Brennan of Raritan, Illinois.  She passed away in 1999.

Harry graduated from Monmouth College in 1961.  He later received advanced degrees in education from South Dakota State and Western Illinois University.  Harry taught, coached, and was a principal for 20 years, beginning his career in Williamsfield and Media-Weaver, Illinois, and then spending the majority of his educational career in Sherrard, Illinois.  He founded the wrestling program at Sherrard High School and was one of the founders of the 5th & 6th grade youth football program.  In 1982 Harry became an insurance agent with Country Financial in Moline, Illinois.

In 2002, he married Loretta Cedarstrom of Fyre Lake, Sherrard.  Harry had a passion for sports.  He was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and loved golf.  He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan.

Surviving are his wife, Loretta, two of his children, Raelene (Tom) DePorter, and Renee (Michael) Kelly, five grandchildren, Tad (Kristin) DePorter, Joanne (Jeff) Britton, Matthew (Sara) DePorter, Alex (Paige) Kelly and Noah (fiancee Rebecca) Kelly along with 11 great-grandchildren and a sister, Resa George.  Harry is preceded in death by his parents, son Remy, and two brothers, Ron and Randy.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.