John "Johnny" Edward Billings, Jr. departed suddenly from this world on September 21, 2022, at the age of 74, at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital.

Johnny was born in Memphis on January 10, 1948, to the late John Edward Billings, Sr, and Ann Scott Billings. He grew up in Memphis with his older sister Sherry, and later had a life in Arizona and Colorado. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Martha Billings, two children, John (Stephanie) and Laurie (Allen) and two grandchildren, Gracie and Sophie.

Johnny was a leader and inspiration for many people and was always dedicated to his family, friends and work. He attended Central High School, Castle Heights Military Academy, and Memphis State University (University of Memphis). While Johnny studied at Memphis State to become a history professor, he also worked at St. Joseph's Hospital as a surgery assistant. This is where a chance encounter with Martin Luther King Jr. the night he was shot and rushed to St. Joseph's, would ultimately help change the course of Johnny's life. In 1969, Johnny began doing investigative work for Mark Lipman Detective Agency, and would later decide to start his own private detective agency. He also worked at the first TGI Fridays in Little Rock, Arkansas, and then as the head doorman at the Memphis Overton Square location when they first opened in 1970. This was the first restaurant and bar to offer mixed drinks with your meal during that time, and he always said it was one of the wildest jobs he ever had. After learning that there would be complications with becoming a history professor, Johnny decided to change his professional direction and focus on a life out West. He owned a restaurant and bar in Arizona and held rodeo championships on his ranch. These were some really fun and exciting times in his life. Years later, Johnny came back to Memphis and was ready to settle into family and start his own detective business. He married Martha on July 21, 1984, who he actually met while attending Central High School, and they began their family shortly after. He held a security position while he began the formation of his private investigative company. Johnny worked closely with his partner Kenneth Herman for years, and together they connected the JFK and Martin Luther King, Jr. assassinations, and even met Rosa Parks and James Earl Ray while working these cases. Johnny was a Private Investigator for over 50 years, and in that time, he worked many death penalty cases, high-profile cases, and helped solve the most unsolvable cases. Throughout the years, he did investigative work in Arizona, New Mexico, Mississippi, Tennessee and Colorado. He passed his knowledge on to many individuals including his family, creating a pathway for his son and daughter to become a paralegal and an investigator in Colorado and Memphis.

Johnny was a rugby player for several triple A rugby clubs. He played for the Memphis Dry Gulch, Memphis Blues, and Old Number 7. He played rugby until he was 55 years old, which is astonishing considering most of the other players were in their 20's and 30's. He was never afraid of a challenge!

Johnny actively supported his children in every aspect of their lives and always volunteered to help with anything they participated in. He was a baseball coach, soccer coach, and even a basketball coach, although he never played the sport. He was the Cub Scout Master for Troop 34 in Memphis and lead many entertaining events. Johnny was an avid traveler,  and took his family on numerous vacations all over the world. The love and joy of playing an active role in the lives of his children, continued on in the lives of his two beloved granddaughters.   Johnny, or "Pop" to his girls, absolutely adored them and made sure they were always involved in anything they were passionate about. Birthdays, holidays, and special events were always cherished moments for Johnny, and he loved any reason to celebrate and have a good time with friends and family.

Johnny's lively spirit will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He was a genuine larger-than-life character, who never met a stranger. He was the definition of what it means to live life to the fullest and he was truly fearless. Johnny's kindness and willingness to help others came naturally to him, and he made sure to instill those values in his children and grandchildren. May we all honor Johnny and never forget how to love without measure and thoroughly enjoy this one, precious life we are given. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, friends, family and all the memories of everyone he connected with on this earth. If you were lucky enough to have met Johnny, you will certainly never forget the incredible stories he told, the laughs you shared together, and the generosity and warmth he made sure you felt in his presence. This world is truly a brighter place because of Johnny's light. Our hearts and prayers will forever be with Johnny.

Johnny is preceded in death by both of his parents, and his sister Sherry Arms. He leaves behind, his wife Martha, children John and Laurie, grandchildren Gracie and Sophie Creel, half-brother Richard Billings, half-sister Linda Williams, beloved cousin Pat Edmiston, and a host of nieces and nephews.