
March 19, 2023
Roger Dale Lilly went to his ultimate family reunion during the early morning hours of March 19, 2023. His bride of 56 years, Virginia 'Ginger' Walker Lilly was by his side.
As the old saying goes, “he did it his way!” Just after midnight, Roger literally let go of the hand of his Honey Bunch and took hold of the hand of his heavenly Father, signifying to Ginger, "God's got me now!" Roger was last employed by MeadWestvaco until neuropathy in hands and a long time inherited diabetes led to an early retirement. He was a well-known fixture of the work force who had given him the nickname 'Mean eye'.
And speaking of comrades, Roger and lifetime friends Richard Lilly of Covington VA & Darrell Lilly of Nimitz, WV went to join the Marines soon after high school graduation from Hinton High School in Hinton, WV. Roger was the only one who successfully made the enlistment at that time. Roger spent 1962-66 in the U.S. Marine Corp, a period in his life that gave him great pride since two of his sons also served in the military.
During the 4 years and 4 months of enlistment he met his lifelong partner on a blind date and it took him 4 years to get her to say Yes! June 20, 1966 he changed Virginia Walker to Ginger Lilly! R
oger grew up in Jumping Branch, WV, surrounded by his siblings and many cousins. He was an industrious youth who started working at a young age delivering newspapers, picking green beans and strawberries. He wanted to earn money for social activities and to purchase his own clothing and gas money to drive his car. Roger could reminisce for hours on end about his entire life. And, was still reciting facts and time lines on the day of his passing; places he lived, how close he came to killing himself on bikes, grapevine swings and local ponds, even running from angry bulls. He not only had a full time job but also volunteered as a baseball and basketball coach for his sons. And, still enjoyed watching his grandchildren play various sports, dance, and band.
He was a member of the Lilly Reunion board serving as the grounds chairman for many years only resigning March 11th of this year. He was known as the yard man to the family of the reunion of Walkers at the Jake Place in Egeria, seen many days on his favorite John Deere, which he often broke and proceeded to tell his boys how to fix it!
Several years ago, Roger gave his life to God and joined his wife in regular worship, faithful to the end at New Hope Baptist Church, Covington VA. He especially enjoyed the Wednesday night prayer meeting with the men. Also, attended many fellowships and enjoyed games and cornhole games.
Roger was greeted as he arrived at the ultimate family reunion by his parents Ernest Russell and Elsie Faye Evans Lilly, his parent in-laws Vessie Verco & Lila Lilly Walker as well as siblings Susie Lilly and Alvin Lilly; long time beloved brothers in-law, Clifford Stricker, Vessie Walker, and Charles Lilly were also there to greet him. God made sure he was on time by coming to escort him personally, because Roger always said if you are not 15 minutes early, you are late!
Surviving Roger and awaiting their invitations to join that ultimate family reunion are his wife Virginia 'Ginger' Walker Lilly. Sons, John Joseph Lilly and wife Margie, William Christopher Lilly and wife Karen, and Wesley Garfield Walker Lilly and wife Jean Ann. Grandchildren who will miss their grandpa’s many stories, games and laughter are Hannah Paige Lilly (Anthony Borrero), Austin Walker Lilly, Grace Irene Lilly (Parker Lawhon), Andrew Joseph David Lilly (Madison Skievaski), Jason Andrew Lilly, Jacelyn Emiley Lilly, Madelyn Jean Ann Lilly, and Jacob Conner Walker Lilly, and great granddaughter Rowan Amaris Lilly. Siblings include Gary Lilly and wife Marilyn, Joyce Louise Striker, David Lilly and wife Joyce, Brenda Lilly and husband Don, and Anna Breeze and husband Kevin. Brother in-law William Creed Brogan and Shirley, and sister in-law Velma Lee Walker Lilly. Along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. *Lovingly submitted “for the Old Coot” by his girlfriend/sister Velma Lilly.
A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday March 26, 2023 at 2:30 PM in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Pastor Jason Bennett officiating assisted by Darrell Lilly, Tom Stanley, and Bobby Hosey.
The interment will follow in the Lilly-Crews Cemetery with a committal time of 5:30 PM with Military Honors being presented by the West Virginia Army National Guard.
The family will receive their friends on Sunday from 1:30 until service time at Arritt Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Austin Lilly, Andrew Lilly, Jason Lilly, Jacob Lilly, Anthony Borrero, and Parker Lawhon.
The family suggests memorial donations in Roger Lilly’s name be made to the New Hope Baptist Church; Attn: Church Building Fund at 1403 S. Dee Ave. Covington, VA 24426. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.
Those wishing to view the livestream of the service may do so with the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3OTYwODI3MTI0MjY1MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Visitation
Service
Final Resting Place:
Lilly-Crews Cemetery
1136 Sand Knob Rd Nimitz, WV 25978
Tributes

Tribute Posted
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Kathy and Robert McCoy
Sep 22, 2023
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing.
We wish you good memories, peace, and comfort now and always!
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Ryan Summers
Sep 21, 2023
I knew Evan through the EB community as we both suffer from this disease. I used to love playing Fortnite with him especially because he was so good at it. It was amazing to know him, and I am going to miss those times. He touched my whole family even though we live far away in Massachusetts. We are all thinking of your family in this hard time.
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The Randozzo Family
Sep 21, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss prayers for comfort as you go through the hard time.
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Kimm Robertson
Sep 21, 2023
Watching this young man over the years be so courageous. He loved his Momma and sisters so much. Thank you for sharing Evans Journey with us. I will continue prayers for your family. I know in my heart that Even is running around heaven enjoying having no pain. God Bless you all.
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Elizabeth Gardner
Sep 21, 2023
I will never forget you Evan Michael Groves. Caring for you was a pleasure and I will forever be changed for the better by knowing you. Your courage and goodness are a rare gift that an Sending love and comfort to your precious family.
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Virginia Doyle
Sep 21, 2023
May God continue bless you all 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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C&O Historical Society
Sep 21, 2023
Very sorry to hear of Evan's passing. We remember his visit to the Heritage Center in July of 2022 and his love of trains. Our thoughts and prayers are with Evan's family.
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Kimberly R Andrews
Sep 20, 2023
As I watched this young man grow from a toddler when you guys moved in beside me, I was simply amazed at the heart and can do in him. I loved seeing him enjoy everyday adventures that most children take for granted, swinging on a swing, playing in the snow, play with his trucks in the gravel and sliding on waterslide between our houses. It is not going to be the same on the drive without him. Many prayers and much love to you and the girls.
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Yvonne Harvey
Sep 20, 2023
Christina, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel like you have been my family since I have kept up with Evans journey. You have been the best mom.I wondered how you did it all.Thank you for allowing us to be apart of Evans life.I sure am gonna miss him. He is riding his train and we know he is happy.
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Heather Mann
Sep 20, 2023
Many thoughts are with you Christina and his sisters. I know your hearts are so heavy right now but we know dear Evan is free of the horrific pain he lived with all his life. He was such a strong boy and I know his tired little body is now at peace. God be with you all and comfort you during this difficult time. He was so special to so many people.
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Kay & Eddie Long
Sep 19, 2023
Dad (Leonard) and (Mom) Phoebe with us four children (Carol, Kay, Wilson and Barbara lived beside (Uncle Abe and His wife Trudy, with their four children John, Alvin, Lorraine, and Gradey. Many years we all had the best fun and wonderful memories of wonderful country living and mountain air. My best memories of Uncle Abe “ was come Spring to plow the garden. As a young girl, I always wondered how the heck did he keep that big work horse from running off with him when, plowing the garden. That big work horse practically ran with him. Uncle Abe had the most wonderful garden each summer and took great care to tend to the garden and always shared with us. I will always remember Uncle Abe stood by our Family when ( Dad) Leonard passed. We were very grateful for that. Uncle Abe, now there is a (Bountiful Garden) in Heaven that is waiting for you and all those passed before you. Uncle Abe your hard work here on earth is done. You have been a Wonderful Servant unto our Lord. May you Rest In Peace. You will be missed. Kay & Eddie Long.
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Addie Holesapple
Sep 19, 2023
Sending so much love to Christina, Chyanne, Hannah, and the entire family! 💗 Evan was such a sweet, special soul and will be forever remembered. Praying for peace and comfort both now and in the days and years to come.