Chef Robbie Lilly

Lilly, Robert Nathan, 39, of Raleigh left our lives suddenly of March, 11, 2011. Robbie is survived by his parents Robert and Marsha Lilly Hinton of Raleigh and sisters Natalee Lilly Hardin and husband William of Kernersville and Amy Lilly Teague and husband Jeff of High Point, NC. His nieces and nephews are Mackenzie, Will, Madison and Connor Hardin and Tori Teague.

Robbie had a huge heart and cared deeply about his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all and will remain in our hearts forever. Robbie was an award winning chef, working at Sister’s Catering for the past 14 years, and loved the food industry. He earned numerous Humanitarian Awards for Community Involvement preparing meals for Raleigh’s needy and excelled in the March of Dimes Star Chef’s Gala. He has been the recipient of many other awards in Culinary Art’s Competitions; most recently he received the People’s Choice Award at the 2010 Epicurious Vino Challenge.

Robbie graduated from Sanderson High School in 1989 and went to Louisburg College for his Associate of Arts degree, then to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He always loved the beach and after college, he lived at Wrightsville Beach so he could surf and enjoy the ocean. He began working in the food industry there, returned to Raleigh in 1995 to further his education in food service, graduating from the Wake Technical Community College Culinary Arts program in 1999. He worked for several white table cloth restaurants, making friends at each job. He began working at Sister’s Catering in 1995 and served as the Executive Chef for the past several years. His love for the food industry started early when he would cook with his mother and grandmother. Robbie was fortunate to have a large family who loved him and his quick wit and humor. He will be remembered for his warm smile, a quick hug and his generosity to others. He loved his friends and enjoyed spending time with them and helping in any way he could.

He is predeceased by his grandmothers who he loved very much, Beulah B. “Boots” Wooton of Beckley, WV and Carolyn R. Russell of Raleigh, NC. His family includes William R. (Bill) and Shir Wooton, of Beckley, WV, James R. (Jim) and Suzanne Wooton of Baltimore, MD, John D. and Tara Wooton, Edward E. Wooton, Thomas L. (Tom) Wooton, Fredric L. (Fred) and Debra Wooton, all from Beckley, WV and Paul A. and Nancy Wilder of Raleigh, NC. His many cousins include Robby Wooton, Richy and Shannon Wooton, Rusty and Michele Wooton, Jody and Stephanie Wooton, Clint Wooton, Blair Wooton, Anne Wooton, TJ Wooton, Patrick Wooton, Paul A. Wilder, Jr., Bryce, Abby, Mya, Baylor and Katelyn Wooton. He leaves behind his soul mate of 25 years, JaNiece May Jones, and a huge circle of friends.

A celebration of Robbie’s happy life includes a visitation on Tuesday, 15 March, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and a service on Wednesday, 16 March at 3:00 PM at Brown Wynne Funeral Home at 1701 East Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC. The reception to celebrate Robbie’s life continues at Sisters’ Garden from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 2400 E. Millbrook Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chef Robbie Lilly Scholarship Fund, currently being established, at 2101 Rangecrest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612.