William F Lilley

William F. Lilley Jr., 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home early Friday after an extended illness.
Bill was born Dec. 28, 1931, in Detroit to William and Elnora Lilley. The family moved to Akron in September, 1944, and Bill entered eighth grade at Schumacher Elementary School. He was a left-handed pitcher on the Buchtel High School varsity baseball team for four seasons and also pitched for the Akron Orphans. Bill entered the Ohio State University in the fall of 1949 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and served as treasurer. He also was in ROTC and received a bachelor of science degree in business.
Bill married elementary and high school classmate Jacqueline Barlow after graduating from OSU and began his military career as an officer in the United States Air Force stationed at Headquarters USAFE in Wiesbaden, Germany. After completing his military service, Bill earned his JDS from the University of Akron Law School and was employed by Akron Savings before becoming Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Akron in 1966. He retired in 1991.
Bill and Jackie travelled extensively and particularly treasured three trips to Paris. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play baseball and softball and other sports and watching Ohio State football and basketball along with the Indians, Cavaliers and Browns during recent successful runs that culminated in world championships and near misses.
Bill is survived by Jackie, his wife of 63 years, and children William B. Lilley, Susan (Robert) Nevar of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Mark (Stacy) Lilley of Edmund, Oklahoma; along with grandchildren Tricia (Zach) Simmons, Brett Lilley, Megan Lilley (Jon Adamski), Bryce Lilley, Brent Nevar, Bryan Lilley, Katie Nevar, Jenna Lilley and Tyler Nevar along with great-grandchild Lucas Simmons. He also is survived by sisters Janisse Clinton and Madge (Curt) Savage and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all.
The family extends special thanks to Hospice, caregivers and son Bill for making it possible for him to remain at home this past year.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Please honor his memory with a gift to Senior Independence Hospice, 1815 West Market St., Suite 303, Akron, Ohio, 44313. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)