Mr. Donald Reese Bills

- Donald (Don) Reese Bills, 82, of Salisbury, NC, passed away Thursday morning, August 29, 2013, at Clare Bridge of Winston-Salem. The son of Marvin Douglas and Grace Inez Baulch Bills, Don was born October 20, 1930, in Gallatin, TN, where he spent his early years. He later moved to Lewisburg, TN, where he graduated from Marshall County High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Don was an athlete who loved all sports. During his high school years he played wingback and quarterback for Marshall County High School championship football team. He was an accomplished fast-pitch softball pitcher and while in high school pitched for Musgrave Pencil Company during summers. He continued pitching intramural softball at U.T. where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, Scarabbean Society, and Who’s Who. He was President of Fraternity Relations Board, and held offices in several other organizations on campus of which he was a member. He was an avid golfer, and sailor. He loved tennis, bridge, skiing, pool, and dancing. You often heard him whistling, for he loved music. Even after his memory failed, you heard him whistle along to a tune being played. He was an Eagle Scout and became a scout master in his later years. Don served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant. He spent one year in South Korea during his service. He was employed by General Electric Lamp Division in Memphis and Nashville, TN before moving to Salisbury, NC in 1960. He was an independent sales representative for Josten’s, Inc. in western and Piedmont NC from 1960 until 1968, selling recognition products to high schools and colleges. For the next 4 years he served as SE Regional Sales Manager for Josten’s. He returned to the sales field as Josten’s College Specialist Representative in the Carolinas in 1972 until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, a JayCee, a Mason, a member of Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post, and The Salisbury Country Club. Don was a people person and leaves many friends as well as customers who became life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Carol Goosmann Bills of the home; a daughter, Caren Reese Bills of Holden Beach, NC; two sons, Brant Thompson Bills and wife, Judy of N. Augusta, SC, and Don Andrew Bills and wife, Anne of High Point, NC; Grandson, Andrew Carter Bills and wife, Morgan of Asheboro, NC; Granddaughters, Marigrace (Molly) Bills Ostmann and husband Sean of New Bern, NC; Elizabeth Asbury Bills of Atlanta, GA; and Mary Cullen Reese Bills of High Point. Service: Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Summersett Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Rev. Margaret Almeida. Visitation: to follow the service at Summersett. Burial: at a later date at the U.S. National Cemetery Columbarium, Salisbury, NC Memorials: May be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220; Rowan Helping Ministries, PO Box 4026, Salisbury, NC 28145; or Faithful Friends of Rowan, PO Box 3097, Salisbury, NC 28145. A special thanks to caregivers and therapists at Clare Bridge of Winston Salem for their loving care of Don during his time there. They made a home for him, became like his family and were our source of strength during his final days. We also thank the loving care and support of Hospice volunteers and nurses, most especially Donna who led us so compassionately through to the end. Summersett Funeral Home is Serving the Bills family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Donald Reese Bills

October 20, 1930 - August 29, 2013