Ashley V. Lilly passed away at age 83.

He was born in Lee Hall, Virginia, to parents, Rev. J. Virgil Lilly and Martha Flora Lilly. He attended schools in Rockville, Maryland, Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Andrew Lewis High school in Salem. He was a member of First Christian Church in Salem.

Ash was preceded in death by two infant babies, Diane Elaine (1959) and Jack David (1960), as well as an older sister, Elaine. Survivors include the loves of his life, his wife, Sue Ann; his daughter and son-in-law, Carole Sue and Bernie Butler; and his best friend and walking buddy, Ve, a shepherd mix they rescued years ago.

Also, surviving are his baby sister, Carolyn (Charlie), and multiple nieces and nephews, in-laws (and outlaws, he might say). Ashley served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps, was honorably discharged, and went to college following his military service, graduating from Lynchburg College with a B.A. in English Literature.

He was employed by several large companies over the years in different states to include PPG, Hanes and Michelin Tire; he and Sue enjoyed moving around in their earlier years. Ash and Sue found much joy in kayaking, canoeing and rafting many streams and whitewater rivers throughout the Southeast with many good memories there and around the campfires.

Ash always considered the best of his life was in his family, the Marines and God’s beautiful free-flowing rivers. Semper Fi and love always to all. Memorial and committal service to be at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to either the SPCA, Humane Society, or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.