Christopher Woodruff Lillie

Christopher Woodruff Lillie, 69, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully into the Lord’s presence surrounded by his family on Friday, April 26, 2024, at his home. 

Chris was born on September 27, 1954, to James W. Jr. and Barbara (Scott) Lillie in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He graduated from The Hun School of Princeton (NJ) in 1972, Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA in 1977, and obtained his master’s degree in management from Indiana University in 1987.

On August 19, 1977, Chris was united in marriage to Patricia DeTroye at Bethel OPC in Oostburg, Wisconsin.

Chris’ chosen career had him serving his country as a pilot in the US Coast Guard from 1978-2000. He retired as a Commander and the Executive Office of the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. He continued his love of flying as an international pilot for Delta Airlines from 2000-2019. 

Chris was an active and devoted member of Christ Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He served in the office of elder in the PCA and OPC for over 30 years.

Chris enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and when time permitted his woodturning hobby.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Chris is survived his father, James Lillie Jr. and mother, Barbara Scott; his wife of 46 years, Patricia; children, Jonathan (Amanda) Lillie of Dawsonville, GA and Jessica (Robert) Wells of Matthews, NC; grandchildren, Eva and Benjamin Lillie, Asher, Aria, Aaron, and Alana Wells; brothers, James (Maureen) Lillie of Wellesley, MA and Derek (Lisa) Lillie of Rodondo Beach, CA; sister, Lydia (David) Hall of Philadelphia. He is further survived by his siblings-in-law, Ron (Pam) DeTroye of Oostburg, WI, Robert (Melinda) DeTroye of Johnson City, TN, Jean (Richard) Young of Saratoga, CA, Laurna (Tom) Simmonds of Eagle, ID, and Kathy (Jeff) Dykstra of Cascade, WI; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service with military honors to celebrate Chris’s life will be held at Bethel OPC in Oostburg on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:30am. A livestream of the service can be viewed by visiting wenig.live/ChrisLillie. He will be laid to rest at Oostburg Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may greet the family at church from 9:30am until the time of service.

Memorials are appreciated in Chris’ name to the Committee on Foreign Missions. Memorials can be mailed to The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton Rd., Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539 or by visiting https://give.opc.org/foreign-missions-detail/foreign-missions-general-support?preview

The staff of Wenig Funeral Home (920-564-2771) is assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.

Memorial Service for Chris in Georgia 

Friday, May 24, 2024

11:00am (Eastern Time)

Christ Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 

495 Terrell Mill Road,

Marietta, GA 30067