William David Lilly

William David Lilly of Ferrum, Virginia left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father on Nov. 6, 2021 at the age of 76. He was born January 15, 1945 in Redwood, Virginia to the late Overton Otho Lilly Jr. and Anna Elizabeth (Simpson) Lilly. He was a proud retired veteran of the United States Air Force earning the rank of Master Sergeant, having faithfully served 21.5 years and honorably discharged in November 1984. He then worked at Fleetwood Homes in Rocky Mount, VA as a Material Handler for many years until his civilian retirement.  Afterwards he worked as a security guard at the Smith Mountain Lake Dam for several more years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Joyce (Hall) Lilly, brother-in-law Robert E. Taylor Jr., niece Sheena G. Worley, niece Sheila D. Taylor, and sister Anna Dolores Taylor. Surviving are his wife Gisele M. (Mazerolle) Lilly and sons Tony David and Bobby Dean Lilly all of Browns Mills, New Jersey; Brothers: Larry E. Lilly (Sharon), Missionaries to Mexico; James O. Lilly (Belinda) of Spotsylvania, VA; Daniel M. Lilly (Mary) of Ferrum, VA; Benjamin M. Lilly of Rocky Mount, VA; and Eric E. Lilly (Perla) of Ferrum, VA; Sisters: Mary A. Fizer (Paul) of Henry, VA; Carolyn Sue Davis of Ferrum, VA; Sharon E. McGhee (Jeff) of Glade Hill, VA; Margaret J. Gearheart (Randall) of Blue Ridge, VA; and Martha G. Worley (Mike) of Patrick Springs, VA.

He is also survived by his faithful dog Bulldog, numerous nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces, who held a special place in his heart. He loved spending his time giving them rides on his John Deere, four wheeling, or simply watching them laugh and play. David was a kindhearted and faithful servant of the Lord, loved many music genres (old-time gospel music was a favorite), watching movies, spending time with family, camping and fishing, cooking, RC airplanes, reminiscing about his time in the U. S. Air Force as a jet/airplane engine technician and flight line crew chief, tinkering with small engines, and riding the Blue Ridge Parkway enjoying God’s beauty. He also loved reminiscing about growing up on the New River in West Virginia.

A memorial to celebrate David’s life will be held at Flora Funeral Chapel, 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 12, 2021. His family will receive friends beginning at 6 pm Friday at Flora Funeral Chapel. Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA., 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.