GARY LILLIE

Gary Lillie was born on November 5, 1958 to Phillip Carter and Billie Blue Lillie in Ennis, Texas. He departed this life on October 13, 2018 at VCU Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia. Gary graduated from high school in Ennis, Texas. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer, honorably serving our country for 21 years; 4 of those years in the United States Army and 17 years in the United States Navy. After retiring from the military, Gary made his home in Suffolk, Virginia where he lived with his wife of 28 years, Rhonda Lillie, until her death.
Gary was a pillar in his community. He enjoyed coaching boys’ basketball and served as a father figure to many of the youth in his community. He tirelessly served his last 13 years with Portsmouth Public Schools where he served as Service Crew Supervisor, Supply Supervisor and culminating as Coordinator of Transportation.
Gary was well known in the community. He has left a lasting impression on many. His generosity and willingness to help in any way he could is a tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. He has lived a life of dedication, commitment and tireless effort to improve whatever task put before him.
Gary was preceded in death by father, Phillip Carter; mother, Billie Blue Lillie; brother, Paul Farmer and sister, Marcia Carter. He leaves to cherish his memory; son, Gary Abra Sr.; grandson, Gary Abra Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina; god-daughter, Veronica Boyd of Fort Drum, NY; six sisters and three brothers, Viola Jordan (Larry) of Dallas, TX, Sharon Edwards (Don) of Dallas, TX, Vickie Lillie of Ennis, TX, Pamela Lillie of Ennis, TX, Karen Daniels (Tommy) of Ennis, TX, Stephanie Lillie of Ennis, TX, Charles Carter (Lillie Mae) of Ennis, TX, Joe Wilkerson of Ennis, TX, Robert Lillie of Ennis, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.