Chester E. "Chet" Billie, Jr.

FAIRHOPE, AL     Chester E. ("Chet") Billie, Jr., age 66, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2012 in Prattville, Alabama.   Chet was a native of Fairhope, Alabama and in his heart remained a resident of the Eastern Shore for his entire life even after moving to Prattville in 1985.   Chet graduated from Fairhope High School where he met his wife of 43 years, Susan Barger Billie.   After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelors of Science in Forestry and receiving his Master of Science from Mississippi State University, Chet began a career with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a Wildlife Biologist and Forester.   Since his retirement from the Department of Conservation, he was the owner of Timber Creek Consulting.   Those he leaves behind will cherish the memory of a man who was the embodiment of the ideals set forth in The Auburn Creed.   He believed in hard work and through his work, he enjoyed and cared for God's creation.   He believed in honesty and truthfulness which earned him the respect and confidence of his fellow men and friendships throughout the state.   He believed in a sound body, a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities, particularly Auburn football.   He believed in Auburn and loved it as a place where his spirit was at home.   He believed in the human touch, and his gentle and caring heart brought happiness to all who knew him but most especially to the wife and daughter he adored.   He did justly.   He loved mercy and extended that mercy and compassion to all creatures.   He walked humbly with God, never more so than in the quiet woodland shadows.   Before he began his eternal walk with God, it was God's great blessing that his last morning was spent in just such a way.    He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Barger Billie of Prattville, and his devoted daughter, Carla Billie of Birmingham.   He is also survived by his sister, Rebecca Billie Bryars of Fairhope, his nephew, Daniel T. Chatwood, III, and his nieces, Rachel Chatwood Mitchell and Rebecca Chatwood Lancaster, as well as by his step-mother, Roberta Billie of Fairhope.   Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012 at St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope at 2:00pm.   The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.   Interment will be held at Memory Gardens of Fairhope.        In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Alabama Wildlife Federation or American Cancer Society.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC 19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532