Dr. Leonard H. Billups

Funeral services for Dr. Leonard H. Billups, 70, of Auburn, were held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at 11 a.m., at the Tuskegee University Chapel. Viewing was one hour prior to the service at the Chapel. Harris Funeral Home directed with Pastor Jamal Oliver officiating. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on November 23, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Leonard H. Billups, the son of Mr. Leonard Henry Billups and Ms. Ethel Barber Taylor, was born February 23, 1939, in York County, VA. He passed away on October 28, 2009. He was raised in Newport News, VA. Dr. Billups earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. After graduating from Tuskegee Institute’s School of Veterinary Medicine, he worked in the Pathology Department for one year. In 1966, he began his residency in Veterinary Pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D. C. Dr. Billups became board certified in Veterinary Pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Leonard served in the Army, was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and retired as a full colonel. After leaving active duty, he started Environmental Pathology Services in Rockville, MD. Then he went on to work for Hazelton Laboratories. He returned to Tuskegee University as Associate Dean of Administration for the School of Veterinary Medicine. He was an Associate Professor of Pathology and was Director of the Veterinary School’s Diagnostic Services until his death. He was a member of White Street Missionary Baptist Church, Auburn, AL. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Among his hobbies were gardening, painting, wine making, and scuba diving. Leonard is survived by his wife of 43 years, Harriet Gurley Billups; their two sons, Christopher and Courtney (Michelle); and three grandchildren, Shelby, Shannon and Elijah. Among those who will cherish his memory are an aunt, Irene Bailey; an uncle, Herbert Billups; a niece, Leatrice Joyce Slade; nephews, Clinton S. Slade and Alan Gerald Slade; and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation can be made to the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine noting the Leonard and Harriet Billups Endowment Fund, care of Angela Smith-Bascomb, Office of the Dean, Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, AL 36088, or to the White Street Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Dr. Leonard H. Billups

February 23, 1939 - October 28, 2009