William "Bill" Lilly

william lilly

June 29, 1930 ~ June 12, 2022

Born in: Cresson, PA
Resided in: Hendersonville, NC

William “Bill” Leo Lilly, 91, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Universal Healthcare in Fletcher.

Mr. Lilly was born in Cresson, PA to the late Leo and Helen Brandt Lilly. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Edward Lilly.

Bill graduated Cresson High School in Pennsylvania in 1948. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He loved the outdoors, sports and traveling and was a member of St. Barnabas Church in Arden. He was also a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Couples Club of St. Barnabas and St. Vincent de Paul of St. Barnabas.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Counsman Lilly; five children, Bill Lilly, Jr. (Melissa), Denise Lilly, Joseph Lilly (Laura), Susan Jarrell (Billy) and Michael Lilly; six grandchildren, Damon, Ryan, Austin and Bradin Lilly and Kaylee and Collin Jarrell; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Lilly and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at St. Barnabas Catholic Church at 10:00 am with Father Adrian Porras officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the WNC State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

The family will have a wake on Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a Rosary being said at 4:30 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Barnabas Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Services

Funeral Mass: June 20, 2022 10:00 am

St Barnabas Catholic Church
109 Crescent Hill Drive
Arden, NC 28704

828-252-3535

Burial: June 20, 2022 12:00 am

Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery
962 Old US Hwy 70
Black Mountain, NC 28711

(828)669-0684

Gathering of Friends & Family: June 19, 2022 4:00 pm - April 20, 2024 7:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Rosary: June 19, 2022 4:30 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Air Force Veteran

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Guestbook

  1. Susan, We are so sorry to hear about your day. Remember, he is healed and happy…and you will see him again.
    Sending love & prayers to your family.

  2. Praying for peace and comfort for the whole family at this trying time. So sorry for your loss.

  3. Susan, sending prayers and love to you and your family. May you feel peace knowing he is at peace.
    Tanya Snider

  4. So sorry for your loss! We are thinking of you. May there be comfort that he is at peace❤️

  5. My dearest sympathy! I am so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for your comfort and healing during this difficult time! The loss of your husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend is forever memorialized in a life well lived. May Mr Lilly Rest In Peace with the knowledge you will see your loved one again in Heaven. Take comfort he’s in God’s caring hands. Susan, Billy, Kaylee and Collin, I’m sending you all my love!

  6. Shirley and family. So sorry to learn about Bill’s passing, but thankful to know you will be spending eternity together. Much love, Cindy Mann

  7. Shirley Ann and family. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful man. We always enjoyed your family(Aunt Leocadia & all the Cousmans). We enjoyed our visit with you in 2016 in Black Mountain while staying in Banner Elk. Love Maureen Miller Kasisky & Bob Kasisky

  8. Deepest sympathies from Sis Weyandt. I know she would want to tell me about this Shirley Ann. My prayers are with you and your family. Bill was a gentleman who I know will be missed. May the hand of God
    help you through this grieving period. I will The Villa De Matel know of this passing and offer a mass for BILL.
    Sincerely,
    Linda J. Weyandt.

  9. Aunt Shirley & Family, So sorry to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing.Now he can rest in peace after a long memorable life.Sending Love & Prayers to all of the family! Love Tim & Linda Long

  10. Faith is our comfort as we grieve. May your faith in Christ’s promises bring you peace.


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