Noah G. Billings

95, of Paradise Valley passed away peacefully at home to be with the Lord May 27, 2012. Noah was born in Sulphur Springs, Oklahoma on January 19, 1917, the fourth of seven children of the late William and Delia Billings. In 1925, Noah moved to Arizona with his family. He began the first of his many jobs at the age of 9. He worked jobs such as raising rabbits for market, selling soda to warehouse workers, distributing milk door to door, selling produce from a truck and any other odd job he could find to help his family. At the age of 16 Noah began working for Kirk's Market as a butcher, ultimately buying the market with a promise and a handshake. In his typical entrepreneurial fashion, Noah started Food City in January of 1940, a store he owned and operated for fifty-four years. In 1994, the business was sold to Bashas' grocery chain. Over the years, Noah was honored by his peers for his many achievements-the Arizona Retailer of the Year, the Spirit of America award by the National Grocers Association and was ultimately inducted into the Grocers Hall of Fame. Noah spent his free time ranching, flying his own plane, boating and traveling. He will long be remembered for his love of family, work ethics, moral convictions, generosity, gentle nature and genuine kindness. All of those who have gotten to know Noah over the years will miss him greatly. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 73 years, Marie; their two children: Karen Luscombe and Richard Billings; three grandchildren: Michael Scott (wife Mary), Sherri Little (husband Robert) and Tiffany Rozelle (husband George); and seven great-grandchildren: Cameron, Mackenzie, Christopher, Alyssa, Zachary, Brooke and Bradyn. A Visitation will be held Thursday, May 31 from 6pm to 8pm. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, June 1 at 9:00am at Green Acres Mortuary. Donations welcome to Camelback Church of Christ building fund or Hospice of the Valley . www.greenacresmortuary.net