Robert Edwin Lilley was born on October 20, 1945, in Buena Vista, Virginia. He passed away on May 23, 2008, at the James A. Haley VA Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian Chittum and Douglas Ray Lilley, Sr.; brother, Douglas Ray Jr.; sisters, Lois Hartless and Sherry McCormick. He is survived by one son, Allan of Brandon; granddaughters, Codi and Alyssa of Plant City; sister, Carolyn and husband Tommy Staton; brother-in-law, Wilfred Hartless of Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-law, Doris Lilley, of Shawsville, VA; former wife and close friends, Pamela, Jack and Joel Ellison of Brandon, and other family and friends.
“Bobby”, as he was known to most of his family, grew up in Buena Vista. He was a member of the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Perry McClure High School and enlisted in the USMC in January 1967. He was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, and a recipient of the National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal for serious wounds received while serving as a Mortar Man and Proof Director, Small Arms in Vietnam.
Cpl. Lilley received an honorable discharge from the USMC in October of 1968 due the wounds he had received. Although he had some disabilities associated with those wounds, he did not let them prevent him from attaining his goals. He worked as a manager for several years for Senack Shoes, but then chose to attend college. He received an Associates Degree from Hillsborough Community College, and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Tampa.
Bob worked for many years for the State of Florida in the division of HRS, as a social worker investigating child abuse and neglect. He also worked for several years in the Department of Juvenile Justice, working with troubled youth. In both of these positions he impacted many lives.
He will be missed by his family and friends, and will be remembered for his wit and humor. He believed in God and his country. He served his country well and was proud to be a United States Marine.
Bob and I have thought of Bobby often. I remember our times growing up and when he tried to fix me up with a neighbor whom I had a crush on in the 4th grade. I remember traveling with his mom to Bethesda Naval Hospital when he was wounded and how he passed my Bob’s picture around the hospital when he was wounded. He was going to let me know as soon as he come thru the doors. However my Bob ended up in Norfolk. We lost touch when he left for Florida. But anyone who has gone thru the Vietnam experience often think of lost friends and family. Bobby and I are 1st cousins and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family during this difficult time.
My cousin Bobby was 20 when I was born so we never had an opportunity to “grow up” together.
Distance further prevented us from maintaining contact; but I have kept up with Bobby and his family through Bobby’s siblings.
If anything can be learned from loss it is that our times together may be few but should be savored – just as our time on earth is limited but to be treasured.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I knew Bobby all his life, he was such a sweet and lovable kid.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family
Aunt Carolyn, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bobby grew up with my son Carl, they both served in Vietnam. We know what he sacrificed for our country, God bless him. Our prayers are with his family.
I worked with Bob for many years at the Department of Juvenile Justice.. He was very dedicated to his job. He also helped train me when I started work for Detention Screening and investigated child abuse cases.He will be missed.
Bobby made a great sacrifice that I understand. He served his country and the Marine Corps with dignity, which is all you can ask of any man. I’ll see you on the other side. Semper Fi!
Carl Goodbar
Sorry to hear of the loss. May God bless and keep the family through the difficult times.
Sincerely,
Carroll A.O’Brien}Elser
To all of Bob’s family
So sorry to hear of his passing. I am
Bob’s 1st cousin also. Haven’t seen him in many years but as with Kim kept up through other family members.
Carolyn – Dad sends his regrets and said to call if you need anything.
We are
To all of Bobby’s family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to see you all soon. If you need anything let us know. We will miss Bobby. Love you all and miss you.
Love always
Debbie and Charlie Lowery and family
muterspaugh
I am Bobby’s uncle. It has been many years since we have seen Bobby. We have just kept up with him through other family members. We are sorry for you loss, and hope that God holds you close during this time. We will keep you and your family in our prayers! God bless you and keep you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mom Carolyn Staton, Pam, Allan and kids in the passing of Uncle Bobby. He gave a lot for his country and in public service all of his life. He always had a dry, catty wit about him and made you laugh, even during difficult times. He is in a better place now, with no more pain and now at peace.
Our love and prayers,
Daron, Brandon and Mikayla Staton
My prayers to Mom Carolyn Staton, Pam, Allan and family. I was able to speak to Unlce Bobby a few days before his passing and was encouraged by our conversation. He was at peace and prepared. I will miss him very much.
“To be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord.”
II Corinthians 5:8
To all of Bob’s family I extend my deepest sympathy. I worked with Bob at HRS and enjoyed many laughs with him during sometimes grim circumstances. He was a very caring person and the children of Hillsborough county were better off because of his dedication
To my dear friend, Carolyn:Once again we bare our hearts and share our grief with each other as another one of our loved ones passes on to a better life. I thank God every day for our friendship and I appreciate having you to share my joys and sorrows with. Please know that you and your family are in prayers.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bob. I worked with Bob for many years with the State of Florida Department of HRS. I retired from the State of Florida in 2002 and beleive Bob was still working there at that time. Bob and his family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So many memories, too little space. Bobby was sick every winter when he was little. I think he used that as an excuse to be babied. Then there was the time he was climbing in the barn, fell and broke his nose. As a teenager he would get mad at Mama and Daddy, pack his dubble bag, head up the road to Grandma’s only to call later to ask if THEY were ready for him to come home or show back up saying he forgot his tooth brush. Tommy and I were in the process of moving from our apartment over Mrs. Moore’s but we had to work 3 to 11 at the Silk Mill, when we got home, Bobby had already moved most of our belongings in his beloved 51 Ford. I think he did that so he could come visit and stay up late watching TV. Our last few visits were special. Even though he was very sick, he seemed to enjoy the visit. Of coure, he always talked about how good the original Coca Cola and Tom’s peanuts were when we were kids His last words to me were I LOVE YOU TOO. Our love and prayers are with Allan, Pam, Jack, and Joel. Pam and Jack will never know how much we appreciate all they did for Bobby. We thank him for his service to our country. He assured us he was ready to go and we am comforted by that. I will miss my baby brother.
I knew Bobby only thru my dear friend, Carolyn Staton. I know that he served our country well and I appreciate his service so much. He was wounded and has spent many years trying to recover. I have heard so many wonderful stories about Bobby from Carolyn. My prayers are with all the family at this sad and joyful time. Bobby no longer has to worry about his suffering and he is now in a better place with our Lord. My love to all of you.
Today was our final tribute to someone we dearly loved.Time heals old wounds they say, and for me it is true.Never did I think losing Bob would hurt so deeply.He suffered so much during the last few years. It is comforting to know that he is no longer in pain.He was a picky guy-his parents drove all the way to Bethesda Naval Hospital to see him-he wanted a hamburger and his mother brought him a T-bone steak. He refused to eat it-he wanted the hamburger! That was Bob!Jack has been so good to Bob, checking on him nearly every day at the VA.We were fortunate to be able to spend most of his remaining hours with him.He loved Allan with all his heart and wanted what was best for him. Carolyn, thank you for the time on the phone, esp. the last couple of weeks. We will remain family keeping you and the rest of the family in our thoughts and prayers.Thank you too, for all those who were able to attend the service. It was very special to see Mr. Lardiere, a former co-worker of Bob’s. Bob will always have a special place in our hearts and we will miss him terribly.