Larry L. Lilley Jr.

Dr. Larry L. Lilley Jr., 66, of Vinton, Va., entered into eternal life on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. He joined his loved ones who preceded him, mother, Adeline Dickinson; father, Larry L. Lilley Sr.; grandfather, William Dickinson; grandmother, Sylvester Dickinson; grandfather, Glenn Lilley; grandmother, Lula Lilley; and many loved aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rita Anderson Lilley; son, Larry Lee Lilley Ill and wife, Jamie, of Vinton, Va.; son, Todd D. Lilley and wife, Dina, of Bridgewater , Va.; grandchildren, Caitlin, Loren, Leah, Aiden, Thaddeus, and Reagan Lilley; brother, Steven Lilley and wife, Karen, of Manassas, Va.; sister, Janet Sellers, of Harrisonburg, Va.; sister, Lana Thompson and husband, Doug, of Mechanicsville, Md.; brother, Linc Lilley and wife, Deanne, of Charlottesville, Va.; sister-in-law, Jayne Murphy and husband, Rudy, of Vinton, Va.; sister-in-law, Linda Anderson, of Christiansburg, Va.; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Born on March 29, 1943, in Washington, D.C., he graduated from George Washington University in 1973 with a degree in general studies and earned his Masters of Science degree in psychology from Radford University in 1974. In 1991, he earned his Doctorate in Business Management from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
A professor at Liberty University since 1998, he served as Chairman of the Management Department and taught numerous courses, where he was recognized for his passion for his course material and his care for the students. His warmth and humor were recognized by fellow faculty, students, and administrators alike, and he was among the most admired and respected individuals in the School of Business.
Before coming to Liberty he taught for other colleges and universities including Averett University, the College of Health Sciences, Mary Baldwin University, Upper Iowa University, and Virginia Community College System.
In 1998, while teaching at Averett University, Dr. Lilley was honored as the recipient of the Paul E. Hoffner Outstanding Service Award for his consistent example of excellence in teaching and personal skills, effective organizational management techniques, and high technical competence.
Before his teaching career, Dr. Lilley served in the insurance industry at the operational, management, and executive levels. During that time he was director of training and program for a national insurance service organization.
He held several professional licenses and certifications, including the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Professional Designation from the American Institute of Property Casualty Underwriters, as well as the Associate in Claims designation and the Certificate in General Insurance, both from the Insurance Institute of America.
A member of Parkway House of Prayer in Roanoke, Dr. Lilley and his family have been active participants in the life of the church and community. He loved performing with his tuba and was a member of the Eurydice Orchestra, the Roanoke Community Band, the Town of Blacksburg Community Band, and the Richmond Community Band. In high school he had been honored with the John Phillips Sousa Award for excellence in Music performance.
The family expresses their appreciation for Dr. Richard Newton and his staff who provided Larry with excellent care, love, and respect. Larry's love and appreciation extends to Good Samaritan Hospice staff, Bridget, Mary, and Teresa. They provided Larry with love and dignity in his life and also in his passing. Also, Larry will be eternally grateful to Dr. Jack Ballenger, Dr. Ryan Evans, Debbie Dooley, and staff of Valley Nephrology, Dr. William Fintel and staff of Blue Ridge Cancer and Treatment Center, and Dr. Michael Koch and staff of Endocrinology Associates. Your care and professionalism inspired him at all times.
The immediate family would like to express heartfelt thanks to extended family, friends, and neighbors. Your prayers and support have sustained us during this journey.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held 3 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2009, at Parkway House of Prayer, 3230 King St., N.E., Roanoke, Va., with Pastor Jeff Keaton officiating. Family visitation will be held at the church beginning at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Parkway Christian Academy, in care of Parkway House of Prayer or to Good Samaritan Hospice in Salem, Va.
Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel and Crematory, 540-982-2221.