of Little Rock, AR
March 7, 1947 - September 27, 2024
Ronald ''Ronnie'' Raymond Lilly rode peacefully to the sunset, September twenty seventh, at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Mount Pleasant Texas, Ronnie's life journey took him to various corners of the Lone Star State before returning him to his hometown, where he eventually founded Lilly Estate Company with his wife, Marcia.
An avid bird hunter from his youth, he traipsed fields and shared duck-blinds across the country with friends, Brandon Wilkes, Tommy Nichols and many others. Departing with Ronnie is his vast knowledge of Old West and Texas history, gleaned from books, conversations with the old-timers of past generations and his many road-trips across what was once the American frontier. But on those same journeys he produced a striking collection of black-and-white photographs which serve as a dual legacy to his lifelong avocation and a vanished era.
Ronnie and Marcia retired to Little Rock, Arkansas in 2017. In spite of the illnesses and general aches and pains that greet all who are fortunate enough to become old-timers in their own right, Ronnie remained cheerful and active throughout his remaining years. Well, there might have been an occasional grumble. That was, after all is said, the Ronnie we all knew.
He is preceded in his passing by his parents, Raymond W. Lilly and Daphne Crabtree Lilly. Ronnie is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Marcia Carol Harris Lilly; sister, Carol Rivers of Mount Pleasant, TX; nephews, David L. Harris (wife, Susan) of Bauxite, Arkansas and Bryan L. Harris of Eugene, Oregon; great-nephews, David J. Harris (wife Averie) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Matthew Harris (wife, Mindy) of Benton, Arkansas and Andrew A. Harris (wife, Elizabeth) of Plumerville, Arkansas; niece, Nicole Jones (husband, Barry) of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; great-nieces, Taylor Justice, Presley Jones and Lily Grace Jones all of Mt. Pleasant, Texas and friends, more than can be named.
A graveside service will be 11:00am on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.