David Lilly

Funeral service for David Lilly, 68, of Stockman will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Calloway officiating.  Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 1-2pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Lilly passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 in Tyler.  He was born on August 18, 1954 in Shelby County.

David was born in the community of Stockman and spent his childhood there.  He and his siblings were raised as most kids were in that time period.  They were taught to be honest, responsible young people.  Their parents wanted them to be resilient, responsible adults, therefore they made them work and learn the value of a dollar.  They hauled hay and worked on the farm with their family.   All of the boys enjoyed running and playing and occasionally found mischief to get into.  Although they were busy being boys, they always made sure their only sister, Dorinda (known as Lulu by most) had brothers to protect her.

David graduated as a proud Timpson Bear in 1972 and went on to obtain an Associate Degree from Panola College and 2 Bachelor degrees from Stephen F. Austin.  He proudly accomplished this by working to pay his own way through college.  David coached and taught math at Timpson school for 4 years and then went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad.  He spent 26 years there and then retired, making his way back to East Texas and the land that he loved.  His retirement and return to the Pineywoods afforded him the greatest opportunities to attend every local game he could.  His love of sports was evident to all those around him.  He was a dedicated alumni of THS but would make it to surrounding areas games when he could.  David enjoyed being able to spend his days with his brothers and sister.  Being the oldest, he had the role of protector and “mother hen” as they lovingly accused him of, but also appreciated.  In addition, David took on the responsibility of taking care of their mamma.  He visited her every day at the nursing home and made sure she was happy and content and knew how much they loved her. 

David was a good ole’ country boy at heart and loved his family.  He will always be the big brother that Danny, Dennis and Lulu needed and the wonderfully devoted son that any mother would be proud of.

David is survived by his siblings, Danny Lilly of Stockman, Dennis Lilly & wife, Patty of Garrison and Dorinda “Lulu” Warren of Nacogdoches; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Orren and Aliene Thompson Lilly and his brother, Dean Lilly.

Serving as pallbearers will be Casey Warren, Lance Lilly, Cory Lilly, John Halstead, Devin LeBlanc and Chase Lilly.

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