By Staff
Mr. Joseph Earl “Sonny” Lilley, Sr. age, 75, a resident of 1288 Arthur Corey Road, in the Farm Life Community, passed away Wednesday afternoon April 15, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday April 18, 2009 at Piney Grove Baptist Church officiated by David Anderson, James Drake and Adron Modlin. Burial will follow in the Tice Cemetery. Perry Lilley, Franklin Lilley, Billy Moore, Greg Singleton, Mac Hodges, Les Hodges, Bobby Hodges, Billy Peel, Jimmy Griffin and William Manning will serve as pallbearers. The Farm Life Ruritan Club and members of the Adult Men’s Class # 1 of Piney Grove Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Mr. Lilley was born in Martin County on September 19, 1933, son of the late Labon Lilley and Beulah Wynn Lilley. On September 19, 1951, he married the former Laura Singleton, who survives. He was a retired farmer of 50 years and was employed with the USDA Inspection Service for 20 years. He was a member of the Farm Life Ruritan Club with 46 years of perfect attendance, an active member of the Martin County Farm Bureau and served on the Board of Directors. Mr. Lilley was a former board member of the Federal Land Bank and a member of Griffin’s Township Fire Department. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and choir member as well as a member of the cast of “The Message of Easter.”
In addition to his wife, Laura, of 57 years, he is survived by his daughter, Christi Lilley Rogerson and her husband, Rodney L. Rogerson, Jr. of Plymouth; his son, Joseph E. Lilley, Jr. and his wife, Wanda Manning Lilley of Farm Life; five grandchildren, Christopher Rogerson, Lauren Rogerson, Jake Lilley, Brandon Lilley, Cameron Lilley; his brother, Elvin F. “Cootsie” Lilley and his wife, Geraline of Virginia Beach, VA and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel Lilley and Mildred Jordan.
Mr. Lilley loved his family, his church and neighbors in his community. He loved farming the land and was active in his community.
The family will receive friends 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Piney Grove Baptist Church and other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to Piney Grove Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 2925 Piney Grove Church Road, Williamston, NC 27892 or Farm Life Ruritan Club, 1136 Clubview Drive, Williamston, NC 27892.
You may view Mr. Lilley’s memorial tribute video or send condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
Paul Funeral Home of Washington is serving the Lilley Family.
Paid Obituary