Richard O’Dell Lilly, 87, of 3308 County Road SY, Arnold, entered eternal life Sunday evening June 26, 2005, at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming.
Richard was born September 15, 1917 in Milton, West Virginia, a son of Bowman G. and Laura J. (Hall) Lilly. On February 4, 1938 he married Violet E. Peters. The couple had resided in the Marquette County area for the past 50 years. Throughout the years, Richard had been employed as a section worker with the railroad in Charlevoix, a welder with the Cliff Dow Chemical Company, and at the K.I. Sawyer AFB Commissary prior to his retirement. Richard was an avid hunter and fisherman, skilled in both from an early age, as well as a master gardener. He always said, “I like any color, as long as it’s green.” His innate wisdom in the things of nature and his hands-on skills were precious tools of knowledge, which he passed on to his family and friends. Richard learned early in life the high value of the fruits of hard labor, often through the necessity to survive. He was a faithful provider, husband, and father. He will be remembered in special ways by everyone who knew him.
Farewell to you, who lived with the enduring determination of a fighting bass, the wisdom of the elusive buck, the protective spirit of a fighting grouse with outspread wings, who’s fierceness comes from the tender heart she hides inside.
Live now, with your eternal heavenly family, and your God.
Survivors include:
Three sons, Lansford O. (Yvonne) Lilly of Gwinn, Marlin J. (Linda) Lilly of Oak Hill, VA, and Dalton D. (Debbie) Lilly of Fredericksburg, VA
One daughter, Laura V. (Steven) Novotny of Sands
Thirteen grandchildren
One brother, Calvin (Naomi) Lilly
One sister, Dortha (Clyde) Moore
Several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Violet, on May 9, 2005; a son, David R. Lilly; three sisters, Thelma, Myrtle, and Katherine; and a brother, Homer.
Friends may call at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Sands on Friday, July 1, beginning at 11:00 am. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon with Richard’s son, Dalton Lilly, officiating. A reception and time for sharing memories will be provided in the church fellowship hall following the service. Burial will be made in the Sands Township Cemetery.
