George Billam, 90, died Monday, August 2, 2010 at Riverview Manor, Flandreau. George was born November 5, 1919 at Flandreau, SD to Joseph and Amelia (LaFavre) Billam. He graduated from Flandreau High School in 1937 and worked in the bowling alley. He was called to active duty on Nov. 25, 1940 with the local unit of the 147th Field Artillery National Guard and served during WWII until June of 1945. George married Jean Smith on August 28, 1947 in Spencer, SD. He worked for the City of Flandreau in the electrical department until October of 1950. The unit was recalled during the Korean War and he served in Alaska until October of 1952. He purchased Tom Philips Grocery Store in Flandreau on January 1, 1953. He operated the store and purchased the West Side Grocery in 1957, closing the Philips store in 1958. George was recalled a third time during the Berlin Wall Crisis in 1961 and served at Fort Sill, OK until August of 1962. George was promoted to the rank of Major in 1962 and served at Brigade Headquarters in Pierre until 1968. He received the Army Commendation Medal at Fort Sill and retired from the guards in 1969. George operated Billam Grocery Store until December of 1976. He drove the Senior Citizens Bus from 1978 until January of 1997. He was an active member of the Shriners and was a lifetime member of the Flandreau VFW, Kelley-Porter American Legion Post #70, Flandreau Masonic Lodge #11 AF & AM and the Brookings Elks Club. George was commanding officer at Flandreau from 1949-1962, serving 27 years in the National Guard. He was on the housing authority for the state of South Dakota during Gov. Bill Janklow's first term of office. George enjoyed bowling, hunting, softball and hockey. Thanks to Vernon Bechen, George was honored by having a street in Flandreau named after him in July of 1999. George became a resident at Riverview Manor on October 9, 2002. George was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

George is survived by 2 sons, George "Tom", Bixby, OK, Kevin, Phoenix; 4 daughters, Barbara Jacobson, Phoenix, Karen Billam, Flandreau, Karla Fischbach, McMinnville, TN, Michelle (Mike) Rooker, Sioux Falls; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Beverly Glasgow, Billings, MT and a brother-in-law, Vincent Smith, Rapid City. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation begins at 2:00 pm Friday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm prayer service.