Obituary: Ernest “Bill” Billings III, 1957-2025

Ernest “Bill” Billings III, 68, partner of Cathy Langlais, passed away on October 9, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

He was born on June 30, 1957, in Burlington, Vt., the son of the late Ernest (Jr.) and Jacqueline (Jackie) Billings. Bill was married to the late Doreen Newton Billings.

Bill was a jack-of-all-trades who worked in various capacities, including meat cutter, auto mechanic and at Woodbury Lumber Yard. He was best known for working at Bob’s Bike Shop.

Bill was a father, grandfather, brother (He always referred to himself as “This is Big Brother Bill” to his brothers and sisters) and friend to many.

He loved to cook and was known for his baked beans. He loved going to his good friend Earl’s house. He also loved fishing, football, racing and wrestling. His passion was to fix many of his family’s and friends’ cars.

He is survived by his partner and caregiver, Cathy Langlais; son Bill Billings and fiancée Melissa Cote; son Shayne Newton and wife Heather; daughter Brandi Austin and husband Seth; daughter Jenn Billings and partner Mike Steel; son Tyler Brandon; and daughter Sara Langlais. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jacob, Will, Caleb, Keegan, Randall, Brianna, Bentley, Kalub and Sophia; great-grandchildren, Perth, June and Riverah; brother Rod Billings and his dear friend Marianne; former sister-in-law Marianne; Brian Billings and wife Natalie; sister Kim Billings; brother Tom Billings and former wife Vickie; John Billings and wife Bev; sister Holly Wells and husband Scott; and sister-in-law Julie. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill is also survived by many friends — too many to mention — but we would like to mention some: Stevie Billings (cousin), Buddy Lawrence, Bobby Miller and Tammy Richie, and we cannot forget to mention his dog Chico (who was his companion through this hard-fought battle).

He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Jackie Billings; wife, Doreen Newton Billings; brother Bruce Billings; brother David Billings; sister-in-law Kim Limoges Billings; best friend, Earl Richie; and Cathy’s sister Carol. He is also predeceased by his dogs Harley and Buddy.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Cathy Langlais for taking care of him and for advocating for him while he could not do that.

The family would also like to thank his brother Rod for the countless hours and days that he would spend doing for Bill and Cathy at a moment’s notice. He would get a call, and he would drop everything and run over there. Thanks Rod, we appreciate you!

The family would also like to thank Jason Barnier and brother Tom for getting that phone call and running over to help take care of whatever needed to be done. Also, a huge shout-out to Miller 5th floor staff for the care and support they gave to Bill and family during this difficult time.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 5 to 7 p.m., at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski, Vt. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, noon, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington. To send condolences to his family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.