Mr. Columbus and Hattie Lilley were the proud parents of Eddie Clemon Lilley, Sr., affectionately referred to by many as “EC.” Eddie was born Oct. 23, 1932, in Martin County, North Carolina, where he also attended public schools. He was the seventh-born sibling of 15; 10 siblings preceded him in death: Annie, William, Doris, Fred, Bobby, Albert, Pete, Floyd, Cornelius and Fannie. Eddie learned early in life the true essence of family; he shared, cared and loved.

Eddie retired from Richmond City Public Schools in Richmond, Virginia. Because of his work ethic, he decided to continue working several other jobs to include, Reused Technologies, located in Central Virginia.

Almost 60 years ago, he met the love of his life, Leona Moore Lilley. He contends that, “It was love at first sight.” After a very brief courtship of two weeks, the two were united in marriage Feb. 9, 1959. Once married, the couple later relocated from North Carolina to New York. They began their family there; after a lengthy stay, the couple moved to Petersburg, Virginia. Considering the best interest of their children and being closer to their family were major deciding factors for this relocation. Together they embraced the parental role. They loved, trained and taught Pricilla, who preceded him in death, Faye, Eddie, Jr., Ramone Sr., Sakota and Veronica; he desired the very best for all of their children.

During challenging times, he was courageous. He made decisions that were tough and sometimes unpopular, yet he was accountable for each action taken. Eddie not only loved his children, he expressed extended love and kindness to his many nieces and nephews. It was simply unacceptable to know of any child being hungry or without basic needs and not to offer his assistance; EC WOULD make provisions. His relationship with the grandchildren and great-grands: “TT,” “Terry,” “Ramone Jr. (RJ),” “T’Lia (babygirl),” “Chris,” Michaela, Tyee, Mya and Dahvea was indescribable. They did not bother to call him papa or granddaddy; they called him, “DADDY,” too. He also shared a special relationship with his daughters-in-law, Diane (Eddie Jr.) and Shelly (Ramone Sr.), who assisted in his care during his time of illness.

Eddie was a likable person, a gentleman, handsome, masculine, brave, well-dressed to impress, known to wear fine clothes and hats of many styles; he was a “dapper man.” He had a great sense of humor; he was indeed a jokester. He laughed and wanted to see others laugh also. What’s noteworthy is the fact he knew how to act or speak earnestly. Eddie enjoyed socializing and other life pleasures. He often spent quality time, mostly on Saturday or Sunday mornings, eating breakfast with his “dear” mother-in-law Ruth, who preceded him in death.

One of his favorite hobbies was associated with automobiles. He named two of his favorite’s vehicles: “The Hawk” and “Sugar, Sugar.” EC liked fast cars; not only would he drive them fast; he would also make certain they were ALWAYS spotless. Eddie even had a unique way with his pet dogs, “Meesy” and “Pucci.”

Eddie was a son, brother, nephew, husband, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father, grandfather, father-in-law, great-grandfather, cousin, an uncle and a friend, too.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Lilley family.