Claude "POPS" Junior Billings

Mr. Claude “POPS” Junior Billings, 76, of Elkin, passed away at his residence on Sunday, September 27, 2026. He was born in Wilkes County on September 4, 1950, to Harley James Billings and Bessie Murry Billings.

Known to everyone as “POPS,” he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and watching Westerns on television.

He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Hopkins Billings; his son, James Claude Billings; his brothers, Ray Billings, Clay Billings, Harvey Billings, and Clyde Billings; and his sister, Faye Luffman and son-in-law Darrell Byrd.

He is survived by his daughter, Claudia Byrd and fiancé Dennis Foster; his sisters, Mae Billings Crouse and Shirley Billings Norman; his grandchildren, Darrell Byrd and wife Heather, Danny Byrd and wife Zoee, and David Byrd; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in Claude’s memory to Mountain Valley Hospice or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

All services will be private.