Obituary of William Harold Lilly

William Harold Lilly, M.D. William Harold Lilly, 88, died May 30 at the Windsor of Ocala. Born February 17, 1922 in Sharples, WVa, he was the 4th and last child of Michael M. and Amnia Kiser Lilly. He was raised in the mining towns of VA,WVA, and KY where his father was superintendent of mines. He graduated from Shoemaker High School in Gate City, VA where he excelled in sports and attended Milligan College for whom he swam and played basketball and football. He was commissioned a Naval officer through Milligan's officer training program and served honorably in the Pacific theater during WWII, captaining a navy vessel through decommissioning in 1946. He attended Washington and Lee University on a football scholarship and married Mary Elizabeth Catterton Brooker of Charottesville, VA in 1948. He taught biology in Winchester, VA before entering medical school at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1953. After interning in Raleigh, he began his career as a medical doctor in 1954 in Dunn, NC. During his 12 years of general practice there he became a beloved member of the community, delivering thousands of babies, promoting heart and cancer societies, doctoring all public school sports teams, teaching Sunday school and serving as deacon at 1st Baptist Church, distinguishing himself as a championship golfer, avid bird hunter and expert angler in all area waters. In 1966 "Dr. Bill" began general practice in Ocala, with the same attributes of character and service that distinguished his earlier career. He was instrumental in founding the medical complex at 1500 S. Magnolia Avenue and relished participation in Forest and Vanguard sports activities. As a physician he was noted for his sympathetic ear and wise counsel, and as a man for his gentle nature, colorful tales, and enduring friendships with folks of all ages from all walks of life. Following a celebrated retirement from medical practice in 1987 he enjoyed years on the links shooting his age into his 70s, trawling the Gulf for redfish from the Bonita Club, and roaming the mountains of his boyhood with his grandsons. Dr. Lilly was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael, sister Margaret, and wife of 61 years Mary Elizabeth (Bettie). He is survived by his sister Oneta Lilly Stockstill, daughter Betsy Lilly Nelson and son-in-law Robert M. Nelson of Johnson City, TN and grandsons Benjamin William Nelson and Robert Lee Nelson of Nashville, and goddaughter Jeanne Armour of Ocala. The family extends their sincerest thanks to Mrs. Freda Thomson for her invaluable care of the Lilly family since 2006. "Dr. Bill" and "Miss Bettie" were charter members of The Lord's Chapel, now Living Hope Community Church, where their faith and service were highlighted by the use of their pool as the setting for 3 decades of baptisms. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Bill and Bettie Lilly Baptistery Fund at Living Hope of Ocala. The community is invited to attend a celebration of Dr. Lilly's life at Living Hope Community Church on Saturday, June 19th at 11 a.m. with the family receiving guests at 10 a.m.