Lil "Bear" Lilly, beloved son of the late Dan and Lucille Smith Lilly, was born in Newton, Georgia on November 20, 1947.

He received his formal education in the Baker County School System, including East Baker High School where he participated in various school activities.

Throughout his childhood, Lil was nurtured in the word of God.  At  an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully  for over forty years.  He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Deacons and was an active member of the choir.  Deacon Lilly had a deep passion for music and singing .  Over the years, he utilized his God-given talent as a member of various singing groups in the community.  He loved praising God and many people rejoiced as he melodiously ministered in song.   His faith never wavered—he was a vessel who was deeply rooted and grounded in the Lord.

Lil was a military enthusiast who served his country with distinction in the United States Army.  He was stationed throughout the United States and abroad, including Viet Nam.  At the close of his tours of duty, he was discharged with honors and returned home to civilian life.  Lil was not satisfied with idleness after his discharge; rather, he accepted employment with the Baker County Department of Transportation as Supervisor for numerous years.

Believing that marriage was ordained by God, he was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Ernestine Holmes.

Family and friends meant the world to Deacon Lilly an he delighted in spending quality time with them.  He was a kind and generous man who greeted each day with a smile and touched the lives of many.  You couldn't know him without being inspired by his love and devotion to his family, friends, church, and community.   He will long be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his loving and supportive spirit.

On Sunday, December 17, 2017, Deacon Lilly answered his final call and entered into eternal rest .  Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by five siblings, Ruth Ellen Hill, John Arthur Peoples, Mary Miller, Dan Lilly, Jr. and Charlie Barrett.

He leaves a legacy of love to his wife, Ernestine Holmes Lilly of over fifty years of marriage; six siblings, George Lilly and Elizabeth Lilly of Albany, GA, John Lilly of Newton, Ernestine Ivey of Miami, FL, Georgia Holsey of Buffalo, NY, and Christine (Leon) Hayes of St. Petersburg, FL; two sisters-in-law, Debra Davis-Lilly of Albany, GA and Nettie Lilly of Newton, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.