Joseph Warren Lilley

Joseph Warren Lilley, 85, Erwin, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 in the Johnson City Medical Center after a lengthy illness. He was a native of Washington County and a son of the late Clarence and Mattie Feathers Lilley. Joe was a longtime resident of Johnson City and was an outstanding Christian man. He was a devoted father, grandfather and husband. Joe's hobby was his family. He was a member of the Johnson City Masonic Lodge #486, and along with his wife, Mildred, he owned and operated Jones-Vance Restaurant for 12 years before his wife's health failed. He was her caregiver for 4 years. After her death he met his second wife, Lois Peterson in 1999. After their marriage he moved to Erwin, where he delivered meals on wheels and volunteered with Clinchfield Senior Adult Center. Joe loved to sit and swing on the porch with his cup of coffee. He loved the laid back life style of Erwin. Joe was a former member of Antioch Baptist Church in Johnson City and recently a member of Calvary Baptist in Erwin, where he was an active member until his health started failing. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife of 45 years, Mildred Krell Lilley; a son who died at age 13, Joseph Warren Lilley Jr.; five brothers, Carroll, Claude, Carl, Glen and Johnny Lilley; three sisters, Ruby Saylor, Marie Rutherford and Ethel Dolan. Survivors include his wife, Lois Peterson Lilley of the home; four daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Jerry Miller, Johnson City, Pam and Jerry Bailey of Johnson City, Ann and Tom Franks of Telford and Brenda and Sal Cicirello of Limestone; his stepchildren, Edward Harris and wife, Christine and Patricia Looney and her daughter, Olivia of Erwin; eight grandchildren, Nicki (Keith) Biddix, Wayne (Jennifer) Miller, Andy (Natasha) Bailey, Jacob (Jenna) Bailey, Paige Sees, Andrea Sees and Santo (Emily) Cicirello and Anthony Cicirello; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Lou Bragg of Johnson City; also numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Joseph Warren Lilley's life will be conducted at 7:00 PM Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Calvary Baptist Church, 540 Adams Street, Erwin, TN with his sons-in-law, Sal Cicirello and Jerry Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A private interment service will be held at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 540 Adams Street, Erwin, TN 37650 or to Antioch Baptist Church, 1014 Antioch Road, Johnson City, TN 37604. The family would like to thank the staff of Center On Aging and Health and the Johnson City Medical Center, 2500 floor for the wonderful care they provided. Visitation: Thursday September 21 2017 - 5:00 to 7:00 PM Services: Thursday 7:00 PM Calvary Baptist Church Erwin Tennessee Interment: Later date at Monte Vista Memorial ParkRead Obituary