Ray E. Lilley “Shorty”
Ray E. “Shorty” Lilley of Uniontown, Pa., passed from this life October 8, 2017.
He was born January 25, 1955 in Uniontown, Pa. His parents Raymond A. and Mary Frances (Hutchinson) Lilley precede him in death.
Survivors include his sister, Rev. Bev (John) Roscoe of Point Marion, Pa.; nieces and nephew: Jessica, Maria, Justin; and his long-time partner, Denise Minick.
In his good times, he was a caring, loving friend, son, sibling, and partner. He enjoyed helping his dad work the family business, Pine Acres Nursery.
He was a Lifeguard at community pools for several summers, and worked at various skating rinks over the winter, teaching many youngsters to swim and skate. Many cousins have fond memories of summers at grandma’s house and family events.
From the time he was a small child, Ray wanted to know how things worked-he loved to tinker always taking things apart and putting them back together. He had a collection of over 500 model cars that he painstakingly assembled and painted as a youth. After he learned to drive, the models were replaced with the oldest, rustiest muscle cars he could find. He took pride in restoring them to their original beauty. Some of those cars, including his prized Nova, are still seen in car shows today. Sadly, the one thing he never seemed to be able to remake was himself. He battled alcoholism and addiction from the time he was 14, seeking peace from unknown demons in a bottle. In his darkest days, he turned his back on his family and friends, seeking solace in solitude
Through it all, he was loved deeply, and prayed for often. Those who love him most hate this disease for the pain it causes and the love it steals. Despite attempts at hospitalization and rehab, he was never able to overcome this disease. Our prayer for him now is that the God who claimed him at his Baptism, and whom he claimed in his Confirmation, has now welcomed him to a place where he can finally find the peace that eluded him in this life.
There will be no Services.
Cards of condolence or contributions to assist with cremation and burial may be sent to his sister at 502 Morgantown Street, Point Marion, PA 15474. Any additional funds after paying for final expenses will be donated to FFOA in his memory.