Always a faithful friend and always the Gentleman!  I knew John when we  both teens and  members of Southside Baptist Church in Columbia. He was our Youth Minister, and I was acting as the church's Youth Music Director.  We worked closely together to plan and present several youth musicals, and he led the service and delivered the sermon during the annual Youth Week each year, while I conducted the music that same week.  John and I quickly became good friends and colleagues, we sang duets together, and ultimately we began dating!  Like any other young couple we went to movies, out to eat, visited other churches to see musicals and went to hear Bill and Gloria Gaither and their musical presentations together.  We chaperoned our Youth Choir on special events, and many times just found ourselves sitting and talking about life, college, the Lord and what we wanted to do when we grew up!  John, of course had plans to go to college and become a Pastor, and I would go on to college to major in church music and become a choir director.  We thought with God's plan we may work together again at the same church!  As it turned out, we ended up doing exactly what we had planned but at different churches.   For some reason, even though we had contact throughout the years, we never saw each other again!  I have so many funny and touching  memories of being with John.   I'll never forget our second date, John went to kiss me goodnight and my lip got caught on his braces! We had to ring the doorbell and get my uncle to come on the porch to help us get loose!  I think that was the first kiss for both of us, certainly one we'd never forget!  Thank you John, for your strong faith and love for our Lord Jesus, your support, your musical talent, and especially your special friendship!  You will always be in my heart!

I saw John in the hospital a few months ago.  He looked rough and was plugged up with tubes and needles.  I could barely make out his words and had to put my ear to his mouth to hear his words. His voice was weak.   I asked him if I could get him water or anything.  He sad, "Can you get me a million dollars?"    I couldn't help but laugh because that was so John.    But I will always remember him as our handsome young preacher at Praise Church circa 1980-85.  At 13 years old, I thought my mom was crazy for taking us to church that had services in an old furniture store.  But after getting to know Pastor John and most of the members, there was an undeniable closeness and it just felt like home.  It  was never the same after he left.  His spiritual impact on all of our lives was unforgettable.  Gods spirit set many of us on fire through John's leadership.  He had great speakers visit our church (Barry Mason, Helen Cregger) And he loved his dogs so much.  I remember him saying all dogs go heaven. :o)   I already miss him so but know I will see my sweet pastor John Lilly again .  Xoxo 
-Aileen Vance Treacy

Pastor John Lilly, I was shocked to hear the news of your passing! I know you our with our Heavenly Father and you are finally home!! I will never forget all the great times at providence baptist church and praise church!! You baptized me as a young kid and I will forever be grateful for you teaching me about our great Lord!! You will be greatly missed!! Love you and until we meet again!

My friend we had a lot of good times in the Lord you are now in heaven having a wonderful time with our Lord I wish I could have talk with you one more time but it was not in the cards I knew you were at the Harvest and I try to catch up with you but could not I will  see you in heaven

To the family of John J. Lilly:

Three days before Christmas, as Charles and I were sitting and reflecting on past Christmas holidays  I said to Charles, "I sure wish we could find John Lilly and just tell him we love him and that we will never forget decorating the tree at Praise Church."  He loved this time of year.  We had lost contact with him before we moved away from SC to Ga. As my routine of checking the news and orbituaries back home, today, sadly, I saw his name and my heart broke.  While we are grieving, we know that our John is no longing suffering but is singing and rejoicing with the angels. Our beloved friend and little pastor, we will never forget you, your songs or messages; you added so much to our family and to each of our lives. 

Please accept our sincere condolences and our prayers are with the family.

My old friend and earliest mentor in ministry...after 35 years I still remember the words to the song you wrote and we sang many times together (Little Is Much if God's In It...)those days were some of my dearest memories. Pastor Marty Davis

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.  I remember him from Southside Baptist Church in Columbia.

Coach Lilly, Thank you for all you did for us at St. Paul's Christian School! We enjoyed having you as a P. E. teacher! Enjoy your new Heavenly home!

We were sorry to hear of your passing. Praying for your family.

Our precious little preacher boy who led us in worship around the piano at Praise Church until past our children's bed time, never wanting it to end; now he is singing and drinking from the CUP OF OUR LORD'S REJOICING!!  See you again John when we gather at the River!

John, My Dear Friend from High School and College,
  
We had a lot of fun over the years, didn't we?  We laughed; we SANG; we shared the gospel with each other and others; we prayed together hundreds of times over the years; we SANG;  we played tricks on each other;  we had long talks;  we went on walks in the cow pasture (only once); we worshiped together; we went on YCC crusades together;  we disagreed with each other, (occasionally);  we SANG; and we rode home from college together as we SANG.  After college, we played games when you would visit and at our Christmas parties where we also SANG, and so much more.  My oldest daughter even "christened" your hand the first time you held her.  I will never forget the look on your face when that happened. (You did NOT sing that time, but you did not get upset either. Your reaction was precious). I am sure you are SINGING, laughing, and truly enjoying the arms of our Heavenly Father!  I will see you there!

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Thank you for a wonderful man, our Friend Brother John. You made it Home my friend, flying & singing with the Angels. 
You will be Missed.

Our Lives will never be the same because of you. You were more than Just a friend, You were family. Go rest high on that mountain. Love & miss you so much!!

Love, Jimmy, Tammy, Joshua, Brittany, & Justin

OBITUARY

John J Lilly

1 February, 1952 – 15 December, 2014

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel

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