Walter Gordon Lilley

Walter Gordon Lilley, 91, passed away peacefully October 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. He has been interred with full military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, South Carolina, with his beloved wife, Mary.

Walt was born October 2, 1932, was raised in Athol, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Air Force at age 17. After serving 4 years in the Air Force, he joined the Army where he served 22 years, achieving the rank of LTC, receiving countless medals of valor and honor including the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 3 Oakleaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Medal, Secretary of the Army Victor Medal with 14 Oakleaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, 3 Army Commendation Medals with 3 Oakleaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with 3 Oakleaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, 6 overseas service bars. His military career included participation in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. During his military career he had one tour of duty in Germany. He was stationed stateside in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and Virginia, where he retired from his final duty station at the Pentagon in 1976.

Walt began his second career with Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, also receiving elevated levels of honor and achievement attaining the rank of Chief Deputy. He retired from the Sheriff's Department in 1992.

In his personal life, Walt made a profession of faith in Jesus, living his remaining years serving Him. His favorite Scripture was Romans 8:28-30. During his retirement years, he enjoyed the study of Scripture, building a library of Biblical references which he shared with his family.

Walt was our dad, our hero. He was honorable, faithful and loyal to God, family and country. He was purpose driven, deliberate and strong. He is survived by his daughter and her spouse, Vicki Lee Morris and James Morris, daughter, Jacki Ojakian, daughter and spouse, Diana Marie Mutschink and Scott Mutschink, his son and spouse, Walter Gordon Lilley and Joann Lilley, his son and spouse, Kenneth Paul Lilley and Carol Lilley. His grandchildren, Laurie Marie Smith and Jared Smith; Michelle Lynn Serwe and George Serwe; Jacki Lynn Johnson and Brian Johnson; Brandon Eugene Ojakian; Kyle Martin Ojakian and Nicole Ojakian; Kevin Joseph Patroni and Allyson Patroni; Brian Christopher Patroni; his step-grandchildren, Tina Kashuan Wade and Aaron Wade; Kyle Franklin Mutschink; Esther Rae Barnett; and several great grandchildren.

Our dad, Walt Lilley, was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The legacy of who he was will shine in our hearts until we see him again in eternity.