Paul Junior Lilley, Jr., 60, of Alma passed away at 9:08 p.m. Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Paul’s work ethic characterized his life. He worked at North American Lighting for over 35 years. Their President sent out a company letter which expressed great respect for Paul’s work as well as his kindness and generosity.
Paul served his country for numerous years in the Illinois National Guard. During his time in the National Guard, he was able to travel not just around the state, but also to England and many other places. Paul continued to have a heart for Veterans supporting family members and friends who served.
Paul engaged in diverse hobbies. He loved to bowl – probably enjoying the camaraderie with teammates as much as the actual activity. He was an avid outdoorsman and was knowledgeable of the tools involved – fishing rods, shotguns, rifles, knives, boats, trucks, and more. Sometime in the mid-1980’s, he put together his first motorcycle, and his real passion showed. For Paul, it was normal to wear something proclaiming his fandom of Harley Davidson – tshirts, bandanas, vests, leather chaps, boots – sometimes all of it together. And the clothing was put to good use. Paul participated in several rides for charity. He rode to the Harley Davidson Rally and the Natchez Trace Trail. He loved riding.
And yet, Paul took seriously his self-appointed responsibility to bring people together. He served as President and facilitated planning for both the Lilley and Pickel family reunions. He took it upon himself to take care of cemeteries without caretakers and joined his sisters to put out flowers every year for family members. When he bought his home, he knew he wanted it to be a gathering place. For many years, he hosted an annual fish fry, which was a highlight of the summer.
Above all, he worked hard at maintaining good relationships with his family and with friends. He loved wholeheartedly with both words and actions. When he travelled for work, he took the time to visit family. Often, he used his vacation time to travel to see family. He didn’t wait for folks to come to him – he made the effort to go to them. Although he had no biological children, many of his nieces and nephews looked at him as a father-figure. He loved unconditionally, gave good counsel, showed compassion when needed, and doled out tough advice when warranted. His friends became family. His loyalty was life-long, and everyone knew he could be counted on to be there in good times and in bad.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
Paul exemplified a life well-lived. He worked hard at his jobs, his hobbies, his responsibilities, and most importantly, his relationships.
Paul, our Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, you have worked hard. Now rest. You have received your inheritance from the Lord as your reward.
Funeral services honoring the life of Paul will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the McGriff & Triplett Funeral Home in Louisville and burial to follow at the Oskaloosa Cemetery, rural Louisville. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home where friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, Shriners Hospital, or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, it is recommended that you please wear a mask and practice social distancing. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.
Surviving Paul, both mourning his passing and celebrating his life, are eight siblings, Carol Ebert of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Don (Violet) Lilley, of Louisville, Illinois; Lois Blum of Memphis, Tennessee; Danny (Merlene) Lilley of Coffeen, Illinois; Alma (Steve) Weidner, of Brownstown, Illinois; Sherry (Tim) Allen of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Paula (Ted) Beer of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Cindy (Manuel) Nina; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces, and great- and great-great-nephews. He is also survived by James Milt, a friend he loved as a brother, and several other good friends.
Paul Junior Lilley was born on March 25, 1961 as the 9th of 10 children to Paul Lilley and Naomi (Pickel) Lilley. He passed from this world into eternity on August 29, 2021. He is preceded in death by both parents, one brother, Glen Lilley, and, to his everlasting sadness, three nieces and two nephews.
