Veterans advocate Gary Lillie killed by suspected drunken driver
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Gary Lillie wanted to give veterans a voice and honor their achievements, his friends said.
Lillie, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during Vietnam, carried out that mission through Veterans Radio, a local weekly AM radio program he helped launch.
From Veteran's Radio
“He loved this country and those men and women that were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice,” said Dale Throneberry, the show’s executive producer.
Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies said Lillie, 70, was walking on Marshall Road in Scio Township at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday when he was struck and killed by a suspected drunken driver.
Deputies said the 43-year-old driver left the scene in a sport utility vehicle and called 911, saying he thought he had struck a deer. Investigators said the driver went to his Scio Township home, then returned to the scene, where witnesses were with Lillie.
Police say Gary Lillie was jogging when he was struck by a vehicle on Marshall Road Thursday night.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
“It’s truly unbelievable that something like this could happen to him,” Throneberry said.
“You could depend on him for anything. He would really go all out for anyone that asked for help.”
Lillie, who lived in Scio Township, had worked in the Ann Arbor area as a commercial Realtor for many years, most recently operating an office affiliated with Sperry-Van Ness.
Matt Durr, who works for Veterans Radio and is a sports reporter for AnnArbor.com, said Lillie cared deeply about others. Durr worked on Saturday with Lillie, who talked about how much he was looking forward to meeting Durr’s 10-month-old daughter.
Lillie used the radio program to not only highlight accomplishments of veterans, but help them readjust to society.
“He wanted the youth to know people coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq deserve respect," Durr said.
Lee Higgins is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Adam Betz
Sun, Aug 7, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
Today's veterans picnic at the Ann Arbor VFW Post 423 was different...Gary was not accounted for. We miss you already brother.
Ron Thierry
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 5:51 p.m.
I met Gary in the Viet Nam War Era in Ann Arbor where I was getting petitions signed to find out about our POWs & MIAs. At that time Ho Chi Min and our military were not releasing any information about the MIAs even to their families. The first time Gary & I talked he booked me into the Ypsilanti VFW to tell them of our cause, and thanks to Gary that was the beginning of a successful endeavor. Our purpose was simple & our bumper stickers, posters and petitions simply stated: POWs & MIAs - Who are they, Where are they & How are they? Not too long ago Gary called me while broadcasting his Veterans Radio broadcast to recall that era. and to speak with a 6 year POW of Vietnam, veteran Jim Warner of Ypsilanti. Wow! Thank You Gary Lillie! Gary was Strong & Gentle Man of Action! He is missed... Condolences to his family & us all.
Silly Sally
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
I Knew Gary and will miss his support vocal for veterans, something that is always needed in Ann Arbor. I last saw him at a 4th of July ceremony at a cemetery in Saline, where a new marker was added. Congressman Dingell was there for the photo-opp, of course. Gary was there because he actually cared. He also restrained his church from hosting events that were negative fro vets, a great counter balance to others in this area who would spit on them after Viet Nam.
Cendra Lynn
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 6:56 a.m.
We have a special group at GriefNet for those who have lost veterans. www. griefnet.org
julieswhimsies
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.
Another tragedy. Bless this man for his service to the country, and for his concern and work for Veterans. Senseless. What a loss.
Vance McCrumb
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 2:04 a.m.
Rest in Peace my friend, Rest in Peace. We miss you already. When you see Dutch, give him a scratch behind his ears. He remembers your War Dogs 1 & 2 programs. Dogman,,,,
Matk M
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
This is just terrible, we just lost one of the good guys. He was so friendly, helpful and caring not just to myself but everyone that he came into contact with in his life. Gary did so much for so many. He will be missed.
Lynn Liston
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 11:17 p.m.
Gary was a dear and much beloved friend. He loved his Scottish heritage and the simple pleasures of going out to the movies with his friends. He had the greatest smile in the world, and the kindest heart. The FOGer's will miss him terribly.
Dustin Gellman
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
"Uncle" Gary was my teacher, student, and above all dear friend. He selflessly touched the lives of thousands of people with his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. I am blessed to have him as a core part of my life. We will be planning a service for Gary, most likely to take place the weekend of August 13-14. We'll post the details to his Facebook page, as well as to his other networks.
Marilyn Wilkie
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
I urge everyone to read about Gary in his own words. Terrystar21 has provided the link above. It will make your heart break for this wonderful man and those who knew and loved him. When will we wake up and realize what we have to lose by allowing others to drink and drive or by doing it ourselves. Alcohol is the deadliest drug. RIP Gary. <a href="http://www.svnlillie.com/gary_lillie.cfm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.svnlillie.com/gary_lillie.cfm</a>
Terry Star21
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
Thank you Marilyn...I felt I knew him very well for over 35 years, then I read that article a number of years ago and said WOW ! It was just how he was, not talking about himself - rather asking about you and how you were.
Olive
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
This is so sad. RIP Gary
JimmyP
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
Gary was a gentleman. Whatever came his way, he always handled it with grace. His love of God, country, family, friends, community and critters were his strength. We miss you, dear friend. Your reward is upon you! Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye! A FOGer (Friends of Gary) JImmy P
Huron74
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Gary was one of the good guys.
SaraMaddock
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
Such a tragic loss. Gary had wonderful knowledge and a noble spirit.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:15 p.m.
It's obvious from the praise and favorable comments that Dale Throneberry was a true American and a valuable member of our community. I didn't know him but feel that a good way to honor his memory would be to do as he did during his life. Sincere condolences to his friends and family.
DBH
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
Gary Lillie died, not Dale Throneberry. Mr. Throneberry was the executive producer of Mr. Lillie's weekly radio show. I also offer my condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Lillie.
goingfast3579
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
Wow, I just seen him at memorial day and Ypsilanti 4 July Parade. He gave me his card and reminded to tune in. My condolences go out.
Terry Star21
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
Also, on my earlier comment here is a nice article Gary himself wrote about growing up, his family and his full history of employment: <a href="http://www.svnlillie.com/gary_lillie.cfm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.svnlillie.com/gary_lillie.cfm</a>
Stephen Landes
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
We lose far too many people to drunk drivers. While it is true that the situation is somewhat better than 30 years ago it is still causing tragedies every day. In this case we lose a great Patriot who served his country well. There is no excuse for drunk driving -- none. Drunk driving is a willful act and those who engage in it know that they are risking the lives of people around them for their selfish behavior. This driver needs to be charged harshly, convicted, and sent to jail.
Bob Kwiecinski
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.
In every organization there are "core people" who are key to the livelihood of the organization. Gary was one of the "icons" of our Washtenaw County VVA Chapter 310. He was very upbeat, supportive in every event and contributed in so many ways that will be sorely missed.
Hot Sam
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
My most sincere condolences to his family...he will be missed in our community..
81wolverine
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
A very terrible loss to his family and the community. I would caution anyone about walking on our county roads out in the townships late at night. They're often pitch black and people like this suspected drunken driver often drive too fast to avoid soneone or a deer (for instance) in the road.
AnnArborite
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
I'm so sorry and shocked to read this. Through my work and affiliations I knew Gary. He was often spoken highly of. A man's spirit full of patriotism and love for our country and those who have defended it.
R.C.CHAMBERS
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.
Damn !
Cash
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
Very sad loss. Rest in peace, sir.
packman
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
Lee - You made an error in this article. Gary never served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam...the information you gave in the article was about Dale Thronebury and no doubt you got it from the Veterans Radio web page. If you scroll down a little on that same page, you will see that Gary was a Seabee. Please correct this...I'm sure others will notice this error. RIP Gary.
Paula Gardner
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
We did change this in the article as part of an update that also gets more detail and comment into the story. That was my mistake from early in the reporting - and yes, it was from that radio site. I knew Gary as a commercial Realtor and recall sitting in his office, which was decorated with items that spoke to his service to our country. I'm pleased to see so many people remembering him in this story. He'll be missed.
Lynn Liston
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
Thank you for catching this. Gary was proud of his Seabee service and often wore his Seabee hat!
Christine Kaczkowski
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
I remember way back when I was a teller at the former Standard Federal bank on Jackson Rd....he'd come in at least once a week - always with a smile - and he was so nice to all of us. He knew I was in college at the time and always offered encouragement and praise. Thank you Mr. Lillie for your kindness and your lifelong committment to our community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends in this time of loss.
Merritt Lillie
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
Thank you for your kind words. That was Gary, always a smile :)
Terry Star21
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.
Gary was a friend, family man, army hero and a big part of Ann Arbor....and he loved Michigan with all his heart.
David Briegel
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.
What a tragic loss. Gary was a fine man and a credit to his family, our community and our nation. Condolences and sympathy to his family and friends. RIP
Merritt Lillie
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
Thank you David. This loss is tragic beyond words.
Bertha Venation
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
What a tragedy. Condolences to Gary's family and friends. Rest in Peace, Gary.
Bill
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
My condolences to Gary's friends and family during this time.
a2grateful
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Unbelievable . . . So sorry, Gary! Condolences to your family and many friends . . .
Merritt Lillie
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
Thank you.