HR0896 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0896 LRB102 28306 LAW 40177 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of LeRoy Franklin Lilly, who passed away on July 6, 2022; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly was born to Vater Mae Fite and J.C. Lilly in Panola County, Texas on March 30, 1930; he graduated from Carthage Colored High School at 16 years of age; he served in the U.S. Air Force from July 1947 to July 1950, beginning his military service as a truck driver and an automotive equipment operator at the Kelly Air Force Base in Dallas before transferring to Alaska; after he was honorably discharged, he joined his family in Maywood, Illinois, continuing his studies to become a lab technician; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly worked as a mechanical engineer at the American Can Company, known today as U.S. Steel; he retired after 42 years of service; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly married Barbara Louise Rainey on November 17, 1957, and they had five children; they lived in the West Garfield Park community before moving to Oak Park in 1971, where he raised his children for 30 years until his retirement; during those years, he and his wife were entrepreneurs, purchasing a six-unit building, owning a barbeque joint, and purchasing five homes; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly studied to become a 33rd Degree Mason of Bethlehem Lodge 14; he also earned the title of Night Temple and Mecca No. 2 within the Shriners organization; he was a member of VFW American Legion Post 13 in Plainfield and was honored in 2021 as the oldest surviving member at 91 years of age; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly committed to his faith at an early age, becoming a baptized member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Carthage, Texas; he was also a dedicated member of Bethel Lutheran Church for over 30 years, where he served as a deacon; alongside his wife, he joined the Neighborhood United Methodist Church after moving to Plainfield, Illinois, where he supported the Communion Board, loved bible study, and attended many church trips; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly enjoyed being sociable and loved a good joke, good music, a good drink, and a good time; he enjoyed traveling and vacationing annually with his family; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather known for being a man of few words, whose deeds spoke volumes to all who knew him; he will be remembered for his quiet strength, soft smile, selflessness, and the love and support he gave to his family; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Darius LaRoi Lilly; his sisters, Vater Goodman and Billie June Neal; his uncles, Dan Lilly and Leon Conners; his aunts, Herese Bowman and Inez Chiszm; and his grandparents, Marvin and Selma Conners; and

WHEREAS, LeRoy Lilly is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; his daughters, Iris James, State Representative Camille Y. Lilly, and K. Jasmyn Lilly; his son, Brian S. Lilly; his grandsons, Richard F. (Sharon) James, Darius J. Turner, former NBA player Evan M. Turner, and Brian S. Lilly II; his granddaughter, Briana Lilly; his great-grandsons, Richard F. Nii-Ayitey James II and Darius J. Turner Jr.; his great-granddaughter, Aubrey M. Turner; his niece, April (Vincent) Braggs; his nephews, Jerome Goodman and Kevin (Jackie) Neal; his cousins, Alyce Stewart, Joy Conners, and Melody Conners; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of LeRoy Franklin Lilly and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of LeRoy Lilly as an expression of our deepest sympathy.