Willie James Lilly's Obituary
Willie James Lilly was born to Elliott and Annie Lucenda Lilly on June 21, 1936 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was one of 11 children. He completed his formal education which included playing the tuba and marching in the Dudley High School band. After graduation, he married the love of his life, Louise Harris and was a proud father to his five children: Willie Anthony (deceased), Kathy, Darron, Susan and Kevin. He joined the United States Navy, served his country proudly as a Chief Aviation Machinist Mate and honorably retired after 20 years. Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior while stationed in San Diego. He joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church and was ordained as a Deacon on August 14, 1988. He served faithfully for over 18 years then, united with New Hope Friendship Baptist Church. He later transferred his membership to Unity Missionary Baptist Church, founded by his son in law, Edmond Perkins, Jr. where he passionately served in the Deacon, Usher and Choir Ministries.
Willie was employed by MTS as a Bus Operator, Trainer and Supervisor and after 23 years, he decided to retire, FOR REAL. He truly enjoyed spending his time at home as a dedicated husband, father, neighbor and friend. He enjoyed studying the Word of God, listening to music, playing his saxophone and watching NASCAR races. He was a very kind-hearted man with a great sense of humor. He was known to give outrageous nick names to everyone close to him. Just ask any grandchild what their REAL name is according to Papaw and you will literally laugh out loud!!
Willie touched so many lives along his journey with his warm, easy going, friendly nature. Even when his health started to fail, he was still a strong, yet gentle warrior. He was classy and full of life, laughter and love. He was faithful to our Heavenly Father, his faith, his family and his friends.
On November 8, 2022, Willie James fought a good fight. He finished his course. He kept the faith and
the Lord called him into His presence; to live in a mansion, prepared just for him.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Louise Lilly; daughters Kathy (Lester) Hoyer, Susan (Edmond) Perkins, sons Darron Lilly, Kevin Lilly; 10 grandchildren, Kory, Brandon, Bryant, Ejay, Ciara, Evan ,Darion, Deion, Daren and Dominique; 4 great-grandchildren, Samantha, Alissa, Nehemiah and Isaiah. Willie James is also survived by 8 remaining brothers and sisters: Dr. Odessa McNeill, Elliott (Barbara) Lilly, Shirley Ann Chapman (Ernest), Eloise (Larry) Watlington, Gertrude Sesley, Gladys Sharpe, Magdalene (David) Hall and Charles (Cynora) Lilly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elliott and Annie Lilly, brother, Cornelius Lilly, sister, Maxine Lilly-Nichols and son Willie Anthony Lilly. He will be dearly missed by his loving healthcare team; Sarah, Tina, Diona, and Cheryl, along with a host of nieces, nephews and many special friends.
Willie James Lilly…
Whether we called you husband, father, brother, Papaw, uncle or friend, because of all the hearts you’ve touched, a part of you will forever live within.
Rest well … until we meet again!
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