Island firefighters and veterans gathered Saturday to honor one of their own: Captain Donald R. Billings, who died Wednesday at age 84.
Mr. Billings was an Oak Bluffs firefighter for 40 years, 20 years as a captain. After retirement, he led a campaign to bring the Oak Bluffs Fire Department's old 1929 Mack truck back to the Island after several decades away. On Saturday, the old Engine No. 2 carried Mr. Billings's casket from Our Lady Star of the Sea Church to Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a full compliment of Island firefighters marching behind. Edson Rodgers played Taps, and Mr. Billings was interred with full military honors.
I am thinking back to my conversations
with Don and his Dad on the Campground and Western Auto. Both were wise men.
Such a brotherhood. Awesome tribute.
Perfect tribute for a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed!
Such a kind caring man. My condolences to his family.
Such a wonderful tribute to a great man
Donald was a a genuine good person. I can honestly say I have never met anyone that didn’t have anything but good things to say about Donald. Personally, he made me feel so welcomed when I first moved here, always taking time at Western Auto to chat for a bit. And years later, the same thing when I’d interrupt him working in his yard on my drive home. RIP Donald !!
Donald was a joy to know both as a friend and a Brother in law. Over the years the trips to the Island got better, watching the little kids become men and ladies. There were sad times with the loss of loved ones but mostly it was of fun and lots of love. Donald was born and died on the Island he loved with hundreds paying their respect. No man could ask for more.
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Great job OBFD. He deserved it all.
I was on Engine 2 with Donald as Captain. He was a great leader and friend. He did a lot for the town and island he loved. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.