Merlin D. Lilly

     Merlin D. Lilly, 84, of Ellison Ridge passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Princeton Community Hospital following a short illness.

     Born September 11, 1937 at Ellison Ridge he was a son of the late Howard L. and Clarice Graham Lilly.

     Merlin was a member of Ellison Missionary Baptist Church and attended Dunns Missionary Baptist Church. He was a coal miner and member of the UMWA with 20 years of service. Merlin enjoyed good meals, car rides, mowing his yard, gardening and spending time with his family and friends.

     He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Lloyd Lilly.

     Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 63 years, Shirley Ferguson Lilly; one daughter, Patricia Yancey and husband Phil of Middletown, DE; two sons, Leslie Lilly and wife Karen of Nimitz and David Lilly and wife Sandra of New Castle, DE; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three brothers, Arnold Lilly of Flat Top, Wilbert Lilly and wife Nancy of Flat Top and Grady Lilly and wife Diane of Ellison Ridge, one sister, Vada Wyrick and husband Delmar of Radford, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, and brother and sister in laws.

     Graveside services and burial will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Lilly Family Cemetery at Ellison Ridge with Pastor Wayne Bolen officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery from 10:30 A.M. until time of services. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. For everyone’s safety, the family has requested that masks be worn during the service. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to one’s favorite charity.