Donald Ray Lilly

Donald Ray Lilly, Sr, 76, died January 18, 2010, at the River Garden Hebrew Home in Jacksonville, FL, following a long illness.
He leaves his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Phyllis Marie (Deal) Lilly; two sons, Donald R Lilly, Jr. and his wife Karen of Roanoke, VA and Randall L Lilly and his wife Bonnie of Orlando, FL; three daughters, Tina S Dunne, Tana K Still and her husband Scott, and Donna M Orange all of Jacksonville, FL; 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and his sister Nelva Lorene Wilcox of Shady Spring, WV. and cousins, nephews, nieces and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Oliver Victor Lilly Jr ,Clarence Earl Lilly, Sterling Lilly and one sister, Josephine Lilly Crawford.
Donald was born in Philips, WV to the late Oliver Lilly, Sr. and Sue Bowling Lilly and later moved as a child with his family to Crab Orchard, WV and lived there until he went to the military. Don’s military and business careers took his family to many parts of the country with his last three homes in Bridgeport, WV, Roanoke, VA and Jacksonville, FL. He always had great affection and pride for his home state of West Virginia and will be laid to rest among the beautiful West Virginia hills. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951. While there he was the Vice President of his senior class and played sports. He joined the U.S. Air Force, and was a Sergeant with a successful 10 year career as a weather forecaster.
After serving with the Air Force, Mr. Lilly had the opportunity to join the Graybar Electric Company. In 1972 he began his career with The Mutual of Omaha Companies where he was very successful first in insurance sales and then as a General Manager in Roanoke, VA and in Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Lilly was known for his work ethic, high personal standards, and great empathy for his associates. He took great pride in his business and truly relished helping others achieve success. Over the years, his insurance expertise and reputation led him to be honored with many awards from The Mutual of Omaha Companies.
Mr. Lilly’s main focus in life was taking care of his wife and family. He was a devout Christian and often served in many capacities at their churches throughout his life. He was ordained as a deacon in the Baptist faith. He loved the outdoors and spent most of his recreation time hunting or fishing with his family.
Family and friends may call at the Calfee Funeral Home, 800 S. Oakwood Avenue, Beckley, WV, on Friday, January 22nd from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 23rd, 11:00 a.m. in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Bobby McFalls, a dear family friend will officiate. Interment will be in the Calfee Cemetery at Mt. Tabor.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.