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==