Rufus “RC” Lilley, flew for the USAF in different capacities until May of 1993. He was also a commercial pilot with Eastern Airlines, which he joined in September of 1966. With EAL he flew the CV440, L188, numerous models of the DC-9 and numerous models of the B-727. His last 3 years with EAL was as “check airman” as well as “line pilot”. He retired from EAL in March 1990.
RC also worked for the Federal Aviation Administration from September 1958 through November 1962 as an Air Traffic Controller. During this time, he also flew in the VAANG. From November 1962 through September 1966 he was a Facilities Flight Check Pilot also still flying with the ANG. From September 1990 through May 1994 he was an Aviation Safety Inspector (pilot).
LtCol Rufus C. Lilley, Jr. retired from the USAF in 1993. During his aviation career, Rufus accumulated more than 16,500 hours of flight time.
Rufus “R.C.” Lilley, Jr., LtCol USA, Ret., “Headed West” on September 15, 2019.
Rufus flew F-100’s with the 121TFS/113TFW in the DC Air National Guard, VA Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves until 1991. He held several positions with the Federal Aviation Administration and retired as Captain with Eastern Airlines. He was also a member of F-86 Sabre Pilots’ Association and the Air Line Pilots Association.
R.C. was born in the Lilley farmhouse in Churchland, VA, to Minnie G. and Rufus C. Lilley. He was predeceased by siblings Ralph, James, and Chester Lilley.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet Warwick Lilley; his son, Bryan E. Lilley and wife Susan and their son Evan; daughter, Katherine L. Johnke and husband Jim and their sons Reid and Tim; and his sister, Eloise Holland. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty Ann Chapman and husband Art, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church…
RC’s sense of humor and selflessness, combined with his love for his family and proud service to his country, pervaded his life. He treated each person he encountered with respect and empathy. His family life was abundant with love, adventures, and joy. He touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed.
A memorial service was held at Centenary United Methodist Church on September 21, 2019. Memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 3312 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703, or to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3466.
Obituary Published in The Virginian Pilot on Sept. 18, 2019.
RC is buried in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk City, VA
