Johnny L. Billups Sr.

Mr. John Lee Billups Sr., 93, of Granger, Ind., formerly of Benton Harbor ended his journey on this side Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. 

John, affectionately known as Johnny, was born on May 17, 1931 in Aberdeen, Miss., to the union of the late Frank Billups Sr.. and the late Susie (McMillian) Billups.

Johnny, was raised and educated in Aberdeen where he lived until he completed high school. In early 1951, shortly after graduating from high school, he moved to Benton Harbor and continued his education at Lake Michigan College and received a degree in applied science. On April 9, 1951, he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Earlean (Hale) Billups; to their union two sons were born: Johnny Jr., and Bernard. Earlean preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 2014.

Johnny was a Christian whose priority was first to love God, next his family, then to God’s people. He and his wife became members of Union Memorial AME Church where he served in the capacities called upon. His membership remained until his passing.

Johnny was obedient and heeded God’s command to be strong and courageous, (Joshua 1:9). In 1957 his strength and courage lead him to secure a job with the Benton Harbor Fire Department. He was the lone survivor of five Black men who joined Benton Harbor’s Fire Department the same year; the others included Walter Barnes, Archie Davis Sr., James Means and Rudolph Knox. Johnny’s many years of bravery, commitment and excellent leadership were recognized and he was appointed the position of Benton Harbor’s Fire Chief in 1979; a position he held until 1983 when he retired.

The position of fire chief earned him an additional place in history for research lists him as the first Black fire chief in the state of Michigan paving the way for Jeffrey Hawkins who became the first black fire chief in Pontiac, Mich., in 1994 and Sam Hopkins the first black fire chief in Lansing in 2005.

Fire Chief Billups was a gentle giant who brought calm to children as they faced fear. He volunteered alongside fellow firefighters repairing toys for needy children. The toys were distributed by the Salvation Army’s Goodfellow baskets. He was a soft spoken man who was quick to offer words of encouragement and uplift to many. He was a common man who waved at his neighbors and the people of the community. His waves were always accompanied with a warm and welcoming smile. He regarded no task beneath him and never regarded himself as being above anyone. His kindness and unselfish willingness to share his knowledge and expertise rewarded him additional years to his life.

In his life time Chief Billups received many honors including The Key to the City of Benton Harbor in 2023 by Mayor Marcus Muhammad who recognized him for his exemplary service to the fire department and community. Perhaps the biggest honor was the 2023 renaming of the Benton Harbor Fire Department to the John Billups Fire Department; an honor awarded to few. Other awards included an appreciation for 26 years of service to Muscular Dystrophy and a congratulatory message from Congressional Representative Fred Upton for being inducted into Benton Harbor’s Hall of Fame.

Chief Billups enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing. He would get on his boat and take to Lake Michigan hoping to get the “big one!” He would often share fish tales and secrets with young fishermen he met along the way.

Chief Billups leaves to cherish his memory one son, Bernard Billups of Berrien Springs; two granddaughters: Carnetta Billups-Winston of Benton Harbor and Shawanda Billups-Kwofie of Lawrenceville, Ga.; four great-grandchildren: Kamarrie Orr, Cameron Quee, London Wedderburn and Javar Wedderburn; a goddaughter, Lorene (Dwight) Phillips of Kalamazoo, Mich., and a host of nieces, nephews and many community members with a fondness of him.

Along with his parents and wife, Chief Billups was also preceded in death by his only brother, Frank Billups Jr., and one son, Johnny L. Billups Jr.,

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, Christian and trailblazer. No matter what role you recognized him for, his legacy will be remembered by many with a smile and a sense of pride for having known him. Sleep on dear Johnny and take your rest, although we all loved you, God loves you best.

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