Deloise S. "Sonny" Lilly, 85, of Gary, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, in Carthage. He was born on June 25, 1931, in Panola County to Ural Lilly, Sr. and Jessie Sanders Lilly. He married Levora Perkins, who preceded him in death, and they had three sons. Mr. Lilly worked most of his life in wood hauling, towing, and auto salvage parts. He lived his lifetime in Panola County. He was also preceded in death by his father, Ural Lilly, Sr.; his mother, Jessie Sanders Lilly Smith; step-father, Harvey Smith; brother, Ural "Pete" Lilly, Jr.; sisters, Pearline Champion, Jennie Jones, and Juanita Beck.

Survivors in include his sons, Archie Glenn Lilly and wife Ruby of Greenville, Tx, Charles K. Lilly and wife Dedra of Carthage, Marco D. Lilly of Plano, John Burrows and wife Lula of Carthage, and Durand Steadman and wife Felicia of Tenaha; daughter, Carolyn Lilly of Silsbee; granddaughters, Pametria Bailey and husband James of Greenville, Tx., Dominique Lilly of Houston, Serena Lilly of Shreveport, Sparkle Lilly of Center, Charlyse Lilly of Carthage, Shakira Staford of Rusk, Ja'lysa Steadman of Tenaha; grandson, Durandrick Steadman of Tenaha; 7 great-granddaughters; step-grandchildren, Keisha Green and husband Thaddeus of Wills Point, Tx., Joe Roblow, Jr. of Carthage; and one step great-grandson, DeKlan Greene of Wills Point, Tx. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, friends and a special friend, Ms. Dorothy.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery in Gary. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Willie Smith, Travis Duncan, Earl Jones, Larry Champion, Raynard Ingram and Billy Weatherton. Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Champion, Roy Champion, Elbert McDaniel, Mondel Beck, Jr., Carl Beck, Eddie Beck, Calvin Blackshire, and Lynn Blackshire.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.