William Holmes Lilley Jr.

July 24, 1955 - November 2, 2022
William Holmes Lilley Jr.
William "Knott" Holmes Lilley Jr. age 67, a resident of Greenville NC died November 2, 2022 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville NC.

An informal visitation and celebration of life for family and friends will be held from 5:00 until 7:00PM on Friday November 4, 2022 at the home of Rosie Lilley Smith, 601 Shorewood Drive, Washington NC.


Knott was born July 24, 1955 to the late William Holmes Lilley Sr. and Lila Grey Everett. Knott attended Bath schools and was a graduate of Washington High School. He was baptized as a young boy at Athens Chapel Church. Knott was a master craftsman and worked in the construction field. He was handsome and talented with the gift of gab, so he was always hustling, and was an avid gardener.

He married Rosie Poore Lilley Smith, and they have two children. Knott is survived by these two children, a son: William Holmes Lilley III (Karen Lilley)and their two children: William Holmes Lilley IV and Beckham Juliana Lilley and daughter: Caroline Lilley and her daughter Izzy Smith, two sisters: Linda Swanner (Mike Swanner) of Bath, NC; Lila Ruth Everett (Gilbert Everett of Bath, NC and his nieces and nephews: Michael Swanner, Joey Swanner, Laura Respess, Rumley Everett and William Everett.

Thank you to the staff of Port Rehabilitation and ECU Health Care for all of your support over the years.

Knott was dearly loved by his children and family. Knotts children were his deepest love. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service of Washington is serving the Lilley family.



Visiting Hours

Home of Rosie Lilley Smith - Directions
601 Shorewood Drive, Washington NC.
  • Friday, November 4, 2022
  • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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Tribute Wall

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  • November 11, 2022
    Matt and Shirley O'Neal says:
    So very sorry for your loss. Remember Knott well from our HS years. Super nice guy.

  • November 11, 2022
    Matt and Shirley lit a candle:
    Lit since November 12, 2022 at 11:46:39 AM

  • November 07, 2022
    Diane Robinson lit a candle:
    Lit since November 7, 2022 at 11:08:18 PM

  • November 07, 2022
    Babs Chandler lit a candle:
    Lit since November 7, 2022 at 11:42:52 PM

  • November 07, 2022
    Margie Cooke-Tankard lit a candle:
    Lit since November 7, 2022 at 11:16:28 PM

  • November 06, 2022
    BL and Emily Eborn lit a candle:
    Lit since November 7, 2022 at 11:26:22 AM

  • November 06, 2022
    Melton Everett says:
    R I P. Knott

  • November 05, 2022
    Beverly Slade lit a candle:
    Lit since November 6, 2022 at 11:50:36 AM

  • November 05, 2022
    Phil & Tori Edwards lit a candle:
    Lit since November 5, 2022 at 11:47:45 PM

  • November 05, 2022
    Chelsey Revea Markland lit a candle:
    Lit since November 5, 2022 at 11:00:42 PM

  • November 05, 2022
    Chelsey Revea Markland says:
    Knott you will truly be missed. R. I. P

  • November 04, 2022
    Patricia Ward says:
    “I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing dear friend.You was always so thoughtful and kind. You will truly be missed.”love you my dear friend

  • November 04, 2022
    Patricia Ward lit a candle:
    Lit since November 5, 2022 at 11:55:02 AM

  • November 04, 2022
    Garleen and Hal Woolard lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:40:18 PM

  • November 04, 2022
    Major Smith and Valerie B Dixon lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:45:56 PM

  • November 04, 2022
    Cathy Brown Steele lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:26:12 PM

  • November 04, 2022
    Darleen Smith lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:25:41 PM

  • November 04, 2022
    Cathy Craig lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:34:16 PM

  • November 04, 2022
    Cathy Craig lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:34:01 PM

  • November 04, 2022
    Ginger Woolard Newbold says:
    Prayers for Knott's family and friends. May God wrap His arms around you as you walk this grief journey.

  • November 04, 2022
    Ginger Woolard Newbold says:
    Prayers for Knott's family and friends. May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you.

  • November 04, 2022
    Sandra Credle says:
    Praying for you and your family and may God continue to bless you during your time of sorrow.

  • November 04, 2022
    Robin Alligood says:
    So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all

  • November 04, 2022
    Erika Himelright lit a candle:
    Lit since November 4, 2022 at 11:46:45 AM

  • November 03, 2022
    Johnny sadler lit a candle:
    Lit since November 3, 2022 at 11:53:29 PM

  • November 03, 2022
    Lila and Gilbert says:
    Love you always my sweet brother ❤️

  • November 03, 2022
    Lila and Gilbert says:
    Love you so much! You will always be my sweet big brother! That for teaching me that tadpoles were not fish❤️

  • November 03, 2022
    Lila and Gilbert says:
    I loved you so much! You will always be my childhood buddy! You taught me how to catch tadpoles that I thought were fish ❤️ Rest In Peace my sweet brother ❤️

  • November 03, 2022
    Linda says:
    God lit your way to a brighter day my forever friend and loving brother. I will miss you my special pal. Love always your sis. Linda