Dr. Melvin Mullen Lilley, Sr., 91, died Thursday, May 10, 2007.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Baptist Cemetery in Scotland Neck. The Reverend Doctor James Drake will be presiding.
Dr. Lilley graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1940 and opened his first dental office in July 1940. He married his long-time sweetheart, Marion Boyce, from Gates County on February 1, 1941. He served as a Commander in World War II and was put in charge of a 38-chair dental clinic. In this position Dr. Lilley did his best work and handled more responsibility then he ever had before.
He opened his dental office in Scotland Neck in the Josey Building in October 1945. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, and the Civitan Club. Dr. Lilley was active in all the clubs and President of each club at one time or another. He joined the Scotland Neck Masonic Lodge No. 689 in 1952 and was a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner. He was elected to the Scotland Neck Town Board of Commissioners, served as Police Commissioner, and was Mayor Pro Term during the illness and death of Mayor Ben Brasy. He was elected to the Halifax County Board of Health and served on it for 12 years, 5 years as Chairman. Dr. Lilley retired from private practice in 1975 and worked at Caledonia Prison until 1987. His son, Bill, died in 1972 and his beloved wife, Marion died in 1982. On January 27, 1983 he married Dixie Purvis, who died in 2001. Dr. Lilley enjoyed a great life and made and had many friends.
Dr. Lilley is survived by his son, Melvin Mullen Lilley, Jr. of Scotland Neck; sister, Paige L. Underwood and husband Gill of Pinehurst;?two grandchildren, Boyce L. Moore and husband Jess and Brad Lilley and wife Heather; and special friend and coworker, Louise Boyd of Scotland Neck.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2007 at Letchworth Funeral Home in Scotland Neck.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck, 1015 Church Street, Scotland Neck, NC 27874.
Arrangements are being handled by Letchworth Funeral Home in Scotland Neck.