Michael Reed Billups, 56, of Douds, IA passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Jefferson County Health Care Center in Fairfield, IA surrounded by his loving family. As were Mike’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation with the family present will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield. Military honors will begin at 1:00 p.m. with words of comfort by Paul Peterson immediately following. Burial will be held at a later date in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Mike’s honor may be directed to the family and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences or join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Micheal Reed Billups was born on July 3, 1968, in Burlington, IA to Randy and Donna Nichols Billups. He grew up and attended school in Dallas City, IL where he graduated with the high school class of 1986. Mike furthered his education at Western Illinois in Macomb where he was a part of the basketball team. Mike served in the United States Army where he proudly served his country during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Burlington and began working at the Walmart Distributions Center. He began his career in the Loss Prevention Department eventually moving into Transportation Management where he was a dedicated employee for over 30 years. During this time Mike was a supervisor who led by example. He was the kind of boss everyone wanted. He was a voice of reason, someone to listen when you needed to talk, and the first to make you smile when the day wasn’t going your way. During his time at Walmart Mike met a fellow supervisor, Tammy Kerr. This was the first chapter in a story that lasted over 30 years. With this union Mike became a loving father to Jackie and eventually adding two more, Dalton and Jordan. When Mikes career with Walmart ended, he began working in transportation for Allied Blending and would remain there until his health would no longer allow.
Mike was the life of the party..and often the host. His world revolved around his family and his ever-growing circle of friends. Mike was a motorcross fan and loved traveling to watch the races that his family participated in. Whether it was camping at a racetrack or poker nights, being together with family and friends was what brought him the most joy. As his family grew with the addition of grandchildren it just made those gatherings even more special. As we part ways with a man who impacted so many lives, we take comfort in the fact that we were able to share in the moments that meant so much and will fondly share the stories of the legendary, Michael Reed Billups.
Mike was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as his parents, Randy (Donna) Nichols.
Left to share his story is his loving wife, Tammy of Douds, IA; three children, Jackie Poe (Robert Hall) of Douds, IA, Dalton (Kelsey) Billups of Washington, IA and Jordan (Blake) Scott of Keosauqua, IA, five grandchildren, Adalynn, Jovi, Bennett, Killian, and Maverick; two siblings, Mark Billups (Melody Paulus) of Burlington, IA and Savanna (Conway) Wolf of Mediapolis, IA, his bonus family, Taylor (Gabby) McLeland and their son, Slater; Caleb (Lacey) Millard and their son Lennox; and Brandon Billups, as well as many, many extended family and friends.