Dewey Hartsell Lilly

Dewey Hartsell Lilly 93, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Beckley VA Hospital. Born March 31, 1923 in Crab Orchard, he was the son of the late Aldie and ralph Lilly.

He served in the Army from 1943- 1945. Dewey serviced in the European front in WWII and was one of the soldiers who landed on Normandy on “D-Day+6.” After leaving the military, he returned home to work on the Virginia Railroad. Later he worked for the Norfolk and Western as a brakeman and conductor; his railroad career spanned 42 years. He enjoyed football, golf, and water sports in his early years. His favorite hobby and one in which he excelled was the stock market. He was a self-educated man and an avid reader who loved keeping up with current events. He enjoyed Bible Study and spent his mornings in this endeavor. He was a member of Calloway Heights Baptist Church.

He is survived by his by his wife Lavera Pritchard Lilly and his children; Evelyn, Dewey Jr., (wife Judy), Dr. Debra Lilly, Terri Wallen (husband, Ricky) and step daughter; Gloria Jean Ward (husband, Jim). He was preceded in death by his wife; Dolly Grace and daughter; Patricia. Dewey was a devoted family man. He loved his siblings and helped in raising some of them after their mother passed away. Several of his treasured siblings preceded him in death including Loretta, Hershel, Harold, Bobbie and Marie. He is survived sister; Patricia cook (husband, Ralph) and brother; Ralph Lilly Jr. (wife, Grace). He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed hearing about their activities and accomplishments.

Visitation will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral Home from 4-6pm on Sunday, January 22, 2017 with the funeral service on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 11am at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Pastor Will Horton will officiate. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Rick Wallen, Mel Tobiczik, Chris Wallen, Scott Bailes, Greg Lilly and Harrison Lilly. Military Graveside rights will be provided by Wyoming County VFW.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the recreation Department of the Beckley VA Hospital, C/O volunteer Services, 200 Veterans Avenue, Beckley, WV 25801 or Calloway Heights Baptist Church.