Mr. Cheryl Murray Lilly, age 81, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully September 12, 2026 at his home. Cheryl was born September 11, 1945 in Cool Ridge, West Virgina to the late Mr. and Mrs. Josephus “Joe” and Pemel Hutchins Lilly. Cheryl Retired from the Cuyahoga Valley Railway in Cleveland, Ohio after a career of 35 years, working his way up to a respected supervisor. Cheryl is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Mrs. Gearlene (Carr) Lilly. He is also survived by two daughters, Tabitha Hernandez (Al), of Mount Airy, and BeLinda Stillwagon (and the late Michael Stillwagon Sr.) of Lowgap; grandchildren Michael (Amy), Jeremy, Michael Jr (Jill), Sean, Brenden, and Adrianna (Kel); two great-grandchildren, Colton Stillwagon and Amara Imburgia; sister Dremma Smith (Jackie); brothers Lloyd Keith (Barbara) of Cool Ridge and Jeff Lilly of Cool Ridge; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Shelby Dolleen Bennett of Shady Spring, Wilma Jean Heishman (Spencer) of Timberville, Virginia, and brother Barry Lilly (Mary) of Cool Ridge.

Cheryl grew up in Cool Ridge, West Virginia and when he was 22 he married his high school sweetheart and they moved to Cleveland, Ohio looking for work. He got a job at the railroad and retired 35 years later.

He loved the Carolinas and dreamed of building a log cabin home. He was a man of all trades, he brought that dream to life by finishing the interior. He took pride in making the banisters from trees on the property. As a fan of the Andy Griffith Show, he chose to retire to the peaceful area where the show was set.

Two of his most favorite things were genealogy since the 90’s and drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Other hobbies were gardening, side by side riding on his property and in the mountains of WV. He loved photographing mail pouch barns and covered bridges. He photographed all the covered bridged in various states. He was a member of the Covered Bridge Society. He loved music, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and the Gaithers were his favorites. He loved his family, and his two dogs Trace and Angel. He will forever be in our hearts and missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday September 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy, with Dr. Jonathan Casstevens and Reverend Jeffery McDowell officiating. No formal visitation is scheduled at this time.