Thomas "Tom" Wayne Billups

ROCKY MOUNT – Thomas “Tom” Wayne Billups, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.  Born in Enfield, NC on March 16, 1942, he was the son of the late Willie Thomas Billups and Pattie Wells Billups.  He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Emily Billups Gold Boone (Jim) and Patricia Ann Billups Keeter (Lawrence); and his brother, Douglas Billups (Kathleen).

Tom faithfully served his country in the United States Army National Guard Reserve for six years.  He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Minnie, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. Tom began his faith journey as a member of Battleboro Baptist Church, later serving at West Mount Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, Youth Director, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Building and Grounds Committee.  In recent years, Tom and Minnie became members of Edgemont Baptist Church, where they enjoyed worshipping and fellowshipping together.  A man of deep faith, Tom loved his church and served the Lord faithfully throughout his life.  At home, Tom took great pride in his yard, keeping it immaculate and free of even a single pinecone.  He enjoyed woodworking, often putting projects together and spray-painting anything that needed a fresh touch.  Christmas was his favorite time of year, and he delighted in decorating with countless lights and handmade Christmas trees for all to enjoy. Tom also cherished time spent fishing, especially alongside his brother, Doug.  One of his greatest passions was ancestry; he meticulously compiled the family tree in various forms, both online and in print.  He even visited cemeteries to ensure family information was well documented and preserved, becoming a true ancestry enthusiast.  Tom was also quite the history buff giving his family quizzes at any given time.

Tom is survived by his wife, Minnie Baker Billups; his son, Thomas Ray Billups and wife, Meg; his granddaughters, Kaila Elizabeth Billups and Kylie Grace Billups; his sisters, Billie Vern Proctor and Annie Lou Hight; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Mike Edwards officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 7:30 PM.

A Committal Service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum.  Entombment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s memory to Edgemont Baptist Church, PO Box 7293, Rocky Mount, NC  27803.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.