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Lilly, the son
of
Everett Lilly, was a bass guitar player with the Grand
Ole Opry legend
Billy
Walker, who was also killed in the accident. "Charles Lilly
was a great bass player and singer,” said Dick McVey, a
fellow musician from Nashville. “He was a good guy and an
outstanding friend.”
In addition to
Lilly and Walker, the accident claimed the life of Walker’s wife,
Bettie Walker, 61, and band member Daniel Patton Sr., 40, of
Hermitage, Tenn. Walker’s
grandson, Joshua Brooks, 21, also of Hendersonville, was
injured in the accident. He remains in critical condition at
Vanderbilt hospital, officials said.
Billy Walker,
whose hits included “Charlie’s Shoes” and “Cross the Brazos
at Waco,” was 77.
The group was
on its way back to the Nashville area after performing at a
show near Gulf Shores, according to McVey. They were
regulars at the Grand Ole Opry, but during the summer they
would perform at various fairs, festivals, and other road
shows,” McVey said. “This accident is a tragedy and my
sympathies go out to all their families.”
Walker’s road
shows usually involved Lilly on bass and Patton on lead
guitar. The two band members also sang harmony with Walker.
McVey said
Charles Lilly often attended the annual
Lilly reunion at
Flat Top in West Virginia. “He used to play and bring
Nashville musicians with him,” he said. “His musical talents
and abilities, along with his connections to the Lilly
Brothers, gave him an outstanding recognition and respect in
Nashville. He will be truly missed.”
(The
Associated Press contributed to this story.)
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According
obituary information on the
funeral home’s Web site, Lilly started his music career
with
Everett Lilly and "Clear Creek Crossin'". He played for
Joe Diffie and on the Grand Ole Opry for 11 years and played
for numerous other Opry stars, including the legendary
Johnny Russell.
He was a
current member of the Billy Walker band named "The Tennessee
Walkers". Most recently he was also a member of a trio
named "Lee, Weller and the Other Guy", with Dickey Lee and
Freddie Weller. Charles also had his own band that
played locally called "Formally With".
Charles owned
his own construction company, SLI, Inc., and was an accomplished
craftsman. Charles left his handiwork in the homes and hearts of
so many. Not a day went by that Charles didn't perform
a good deed for someone.
Charles was
preceded in death by his brothers Jiles Lilly and Tennis
Lilly. He is survived by his
wife Karen Lilly, sons Charles A. Lilly, Aaron Lilly and
Richard Bailey (who was like a son); parents Everett and Jo
Ann Lilly, brothers Everett Alan
Lilly (Karen), Daniel Lilly (Sylvia) and Mark Lilly (Donna);
sisters Diana Tomah (Dennis), Laverne O’Loughlin and Karen
Pierangenlo.
He is also
survived by Father-in-law Glen A. Stover and wife, Lana;
Brothers-in-law Chris Stover (Tara), Mark Stover (Kelly),
and many nieces and nephews that he loved so dearly.
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