David Eugene Billett

David was born to his loving parents Donald and Mary (Murphy) Billett on February 8, 1956, in Wellesley, Massachusetts. David was their second child. He joined his older sister Joanne, and later a brother Paul and sister Diane, making the family complete. He grew up in Natick, MA, where he graduated in high school. David continued his education and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Franklin Institute in Boston, MA. Later, David furthered his education and received a degree in Industrial Engineering from Baker College in Cadillac, MI. David worked for the Dow Corning Corporation in Boston for several years. In 1990, while his young son Jason was only 2 years old, David moved his family to McBain, Michigan and settled into the spacious and peaceful country life joining the rest of the family members at the "Billett Acres." He worked for the Baker College in Cadillac, MI, and later for the Viking Energy, a cogeneration plant, in McBain. David enjoyed hunting, which was a treasured family tradition every November. His father Don, brother Paul, brother-in-law Bill, and nephew Paul, would all gather on the family homestead with great anticipation of a big hunt. He had a great love of the outdoors which he pursued by camping in the woods of northern Michigan. David was always a delight at the family gatherings around holidays. He would have the biggest smile on his face when he knew ham was being served by Mom. In 2002, David was transferred to Tractebel Corp., a Suez Energy Resources company in Ennis, TX. Late in 2002, he met the love of his life, Ellen Cheng. They met, fell in love, got engaged, got married, and purchased a house together, all within the short time span of 3 months. David was very happy. In 2005, David took an early retirement from his job, and started working on projects of his choice. In 2006, David and Ellen moved to Asheville and purchased a house in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the western North Carolina. David was a devoted husband to Ellen and a loving father to his children, Jason, Michael, and Aimee. With God's blessing, David came to the Rock Church, and he loved the Church. He loved the teachings there; every message touched his heart. He loved the friends he made there and the time they shared together. He joined the "Men's Outdoors Connect Group", the "Business Breakthrough Connect Group", and the "Games Connect Group", the "Fireproof Marriage Connect Group", the "5-love Languages Connect Group", and many others at the Rock Church. He was always an active and enthusiastic participant in their meetings and activities, and enjoyed the fellowship, friendship, and support with one another. David was passionate about life, and all its parts. He loved his family; loved learning; loved working and being productive; loved creative and artistic tasks; loved problem solving; loved outdoor activities - camping, hunting, traveling, boating, swimming, cruise vacationing, and sporting events; loved a good game of "contract bridge" or "Texas Hold'em"; loved planning and organizing; loved analyzing and strategizing; loved to help people; loved a good movie; loved to cook and feed people; loved making friends. Yes, you could say, David loved and enjoyed his life, and he was a joy and a delight to those who were fortunate to have crossed path with him. David was a true family man. After God, family comes first. He would do anything for his family. He loved all the family members, immediate and extended families, and we all loved him back. He had a sweet and tender heart, and was generous with his love and compassion for his family and all the people around him. He was a virtuous man with high integrity. He was always honest and more than fair in all his dealings. He kept his promises. He worked hard to support and to protect his family. You simply cannot ask for a better son, brother, husband, father, or friend. While we are all sad and crying for his passing and our loss, we will also remember to celebrate David's life, a full, active, and happy life on this beautiful green Earth, and now reunited with his father, Don, and meeting Jesus face-to-face in the Heavenly Mansion while angels singing around him. We thank Our Lord for gracing us with David's presence in our lives. We will remember his beautiful smiles and robust laughter's. We will remember all the beautiful memories he had left with us. He will be held close to our hearts and never to be forgotten. We are thankful that we will see him again when God calls us home. Ellen and their children are expressing their heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who joined today in this celebration of David's life. May God bless each of you richly with peace and joy all of the days of your lives.