E. W. "Pete" Lilly

Earnest Wilson “Pete” Lilly, 82, suddenly passed from our presence Friday, May 20, 2016 while vacationing in Myrtle Beach.

Pete was born and raised as a child at Flat Top in Summers County West Virginia, the son of Earnest Wilson, Sr. and Dausie (Reed) Lilly. He later moved with his family to Radford, VA and attended high school in Dublin VA. He first came to Madison, WV as a teenager, staying with his older brother Raymond Lilly (now deceased) where he worked in a Madison auto body shop.

Pete served his nation as a member of the U.S.A.F. in the Korean conflict flying many missions as a gunner in a B-17. He spent 13 months in Korea and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.

He returned to Madison and later obtained his license to sell insurance after taking classes through LaSalle University. He became an independent insurance agent and operated the Lilly Insurance Agency on Main Street in Madison for nearly 60 years. He has served many friends and neighbors by providing their various insurance needs. The last 30 years, side by side with his son Mark. Pete and the agency have won many salesmanship awards through the years of business. Perhaps his most prized accomplishment was “insuring” that all four of his children had the opportunity, support and means to be successful through life’s challenges.

Although in his elder years, Pete stepped aside for new community leadership, the city of Madison is full of his memory by the many contributions he has made. He was always quick and eager to lead as well as donate time, resources and dollars. His proud accomplishments included, but certainly not limited to; building of the Madison Civic Center, the beginning of Boy Scouts Troop 289, past president of Madison Rotary Club, lifelong member of the Odd Fellows and National PTA, instrumental support of Madison Little League Baseball and Basketball, the birth of Madison Colt Midget Football program, and a leader of Scott High School Football Boosters through the 1970’s. Pete was also very proud of being a recipient of Rotary International’s highest honor: Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

Pete enjoyed and loved the game of golf. He shared this passion and interest with all of his sons. He was a lifelong member of Riverview Country Club. He also shared many wonderful memories both fresh and salt water fishing. During his later years, he took much pride and enjoyment in gardening and yard work.

Pete was a long time member of Madison Baptist Church. He also frequented and enjoyed Clothier Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Cathy (Greene) Lilly and her parents Glen and Dot Greene, in laws and beloved friends. His four sons E. Stephen (wife Anne) of Bluefield, VA, Mark A (wife Janie) of Madison, WV, Jonathan P (wife Kathy) of Winfield, WV, and Hunter (Jordan) of Charleston, WV. 6 grandsons: U.S. Army Captain Christopher P.(29), Matthew C. (29), Zachary D. (27), Ethan (25), Cameron S. (23), Isaac E. (20), and step granddaughter Monika Berry (29). Two sisters: Patty Coleman (husband Ronald) of Moneta, VA, Katherine Ann (husband Allen Hayes, M.D.) of Raleigh, NC. four nephews and three nieces.

The immediate family would like to give thanks to Dunbar Medical Associates for their compassionate care over the years with special gratitude towards Dr. John Lilly, Jr and his nurse Teresa Conley.

Funeral services will be held at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV, on Wednesday May 25, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be the same day beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
The service will be officiated by Tom Bias and assisted by Charlie Ferguson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local VFW or the American Cancer Society in honor of Pete.