Benny Ray Lillard

Benny Ray Lillard was born on June 14, 1946 in Huntsville, Texas and died June 19, 2015 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away in his home of 40 years surrounded by his loved ones, his friends, and his three cherished dogs. Benny was raised in Boettcher’s Mill and spent most of his adult life in Huntsville. He started working alongside his father in the family logging business when he was 12-years-old. As a young man, he was also employed by Frito Lay in Dallas and Brown and Root in Colorado, the only two times he lived outside of Walker County. Benny’s primary profession was as a heavy equipment operator/truck driver and put behind the wheel, he could teach himself to run any piece of machinery. He drove for Gerald Kirkland and David Martinez before starting his own wrecker service, and then shifted into the business of moving mobile homes. Additionally, Benny was a volunteer for the Huntsville Fire Department for almost two decades. He responded to many major fires in Huntsville, including Old Main on the SHSU campus, and bravely saved local lives and property alongside his fellow firefighters. Benny also tirelessly volunteered his time in other ways for the community. As a member of the Elks Lodge he initiated a local Easter egg hunt for the children of Huntsville. He also supervised bingo at the Elks Lodge for over 5 years to raise funds for children’s camps. There are many stories to tell of Benny’s generosity; he nurtured friends who were sick, donated blood for the injured, participated in multiple search parties for the missing, raised money for many worthy causes, helped displaced hurricane victims at a local shelter, rescued and protected a herd of animals throughout the years, and welcomed many a wandering soul into his home. Benny loved to talk, was an instant friend to all, and could make anyone feel like the most important person in the room. His smile was ever-present and his gentle spirit was apparent. Benny’s spirit also shined in the love he had for his family. He was born to Edgar Allen Lillard and Ada Laura Walker Lillard. He is survived by two older brothers Edward Lillard and wife Katherine of Spring, Texas and Joe Lillard and wife Shirley of Huntsville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Alice Lillard Johnson. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years Sandra NeSmith Lillard, his daughter Nesi Lillard, and granddaughter Viviana Lillard. Extended family includes his mother-in-law, Johnnie Loving, sister-in-laws Debbie Coleman and Rhonda Coleman Gomez, nephews Allen Ray Lillard, Jonathan Coleman, Alex Gomez, Patrick Gomez, Walter Johnson, and Matt Johnson, niece Jessica Gomez Barrios, and great-nephew Koa Barrios. Pallbearers are Allen Ray Lillard, Jonathan Coleman, Alex Gomez, Patrick Gomez, David Beacleay, John Hobbs, Jessica Gomez, and Lacy Lansford. Visitation will take place at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 5pm followed by services at 6pm. Benny’s family would like to thank his expert and compassionate team of doctors at MD Anderson and the incredible nursing staff at Thee Hospice, particularly Tiffany. A memorial fund has been set up in Benny’s honour. Go to http://www.gofundme.com/xf98zg for more information or to contribute. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Benny Ray Lillard

June 14, 1946 - June 19, 2015