David Eugene Lilly
David Eugene Lilly, 75, of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, in Lansing. David was born October 14, 1947, in Hinton, WV, the son of the late Ernest Rusell and Elsie Fay (Evans) Lilly. David joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school in 1966. He was stationed in South Korea. After completing his military service, he returned to West Virginia for a short time before moving to Potterville, MI. He began working at Owens-Illinois factory in Charlotte in 1968. He worked there for 37 years, retiring as Shift Supervisor in 2005. David married Joyce Ann Welsh on April 7, 1987, and the two happily combined their families. David was a huge Spartan fan, avidly following both MSU basketball and football teams. He loved country music and he could often be found enjoying old Western movies.
David is survived by his wife, Joyce Lilly; children, Eric (Angie) Lilly, Brian (Christine) Lilly, Gina (Lawrence) McWilliams, Tim Welsh, Scott (fiancé Drema Emerson) Thomas, and Nick (Casey) Thomas; nine grandchildren; brother, Gary (Marrilyn) Lilly of Haslett; sisters, Joyce Louise Stricker of Camphill, PA, Brenda (Don) Lilly of Winchester, VA, and Anna Lee (Kevin) Breese of Harrison, MI; and his close friend, Ron Crook of Charlotte. David was predeceased by his parents; sister, Carolyn Susie Lilly; and brothers, Alvin Lilly and Roger Lilly.
Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the funeral. Interment took place in Benton Township Cemetery. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on David’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.