By Staff
WILLIAMSTON, NC — Laurence Eason Lilley passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Anna Taylor Lilley; son Laurence Lilley, Jr., his wife Claudia, and children, Katie, Lee, and Matt; son Roy Lilley, his wife Carla, and children Taylor and Ashton; daughter Jo Anna McMillan, her husband Doug, and children Mary Laurence, Virginia, Worth, Lee Anna and Roy; and son Jim Lilley, his wife Catherine and children Paul, Sam and Cate.
Born on November 14, 1928, Laurence was a Martin County native, the son of the late Joseph Eason Lilley and Ola Woolard Lilley. He was preceded in death by his brother, John W. Lilley and sister Mary Ola Lilley Peele.
An entrepreneurial businessman, Laurence helped to found Lilley International, Motor Inns of Carolina and Roanoke Tar Cotton, among others. He loved and served First Christian Church of Williamston for many years. He also served his community and industry as a Williamston Town Commissioner, Martin County Board of Education member and president of the Carolinas Farm Equipment Dealers’ Association.
Visitation will be Wednesday, at the home on 215 Cedar Lane, from 7-8:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church of Williamston on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the First Christian Church of Williamston or the Williamston Rescue Squad.
Laurence will always be remembered for his fun loving spirit and unending devotion to family and friends.
Paid Obituary