Conway Roller Rink hosts free skate

The Conway Roller Rink opened for a free skate Sunday afternoon in honor of the owner, 60-year-old Larry Billings.

Faulkner County Sheriff's deputies found Billings shot dead at his home Monday night. Investigators found no signs of struggle, no forced entry, and no murder weapon.

The free skate event is a way for the community to remember Billings and honor his love for the rink.

Hundreds of kids and adults attended the special skate session Sunday to pay tribute to a man they say gave so much to the community, and will be greatly missed. Many of them learned to skate with Larry Billings as their teacher. Now that beloved man many describe as a second father is gone.

Ashley Thompson works at the rink and says she can't imagine who could ever do such a thing to a man so admired. "He did a lot for the community, and by the turnout today, the community is paying back their respects."

Many of the regulars at the rink, like Darla Haliburton, say Billings would have loved to see the place so packed with people coming together to have fun. "He made you feel like you were at home here. He knew everyone by name. His kids played with my kids, and he made my kids feel like they were his kids."

Rickey Gulley says he can't imagine coming here and not seeing Billings greeting people at the door or playing limbo out on the floor. "He was a really awesome guy. He did what he could for us kids growing up. He made sure everybody was somebody at the rink."

Those who knew Billings hope the rink stays open so his love for skating can live on.

Investigators have no suspects in the case, however Billings pick up truck is missing. It's a 2007 blue Nissan Titan with license plate number 631 MEM. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office.