Thomas Edward Lilly, 76, of Cross Roads/ Oak Point, Texas passed away on April 4, 2021 in Plano, Texas. He was born on December 26, 1944 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Marshall and Nelle (Mashburn) Lilly.

Tom grew up in Salisbury, NC where he was active in riding bikes all over the city and big into baseball and basketball. When he wasn't playing sports in high school he spent his summers down in Garden City Beach, South Carolina where his dad owned several houses. He would never forget and went back to Garden City almost every summer throughout his life. Tom joined the US Army during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After completing his military service he attended East Carolina University where he studied business marketing. He quickly landed a job in Nyc as a sales rep where he obtained large accounts for Michaels, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and many more.

While out traveling on business Tom in a bar, drinking his classic vodka tonic saw Katie and said "I have got to go talk to her.. she's the one for me" the rest is history.

Tom and Katie moved to Texas where Tom purchased 116 acres of mostly swampy land that within the next couple years he spent turning it into farm land and at one point the largest crepe myrtle producing farm in Texas.

Over the next 40 years Tom spent his time buying and developing property across the North Texas area. Throughout this time Tom and Katie had and raised 6 children. Tom always put his children first and worked to give them the best education and life possible. He always enjoyed attending all his daughters' recitals and events. He loved coaching and attending Marshall's baseball career from t-ball through college. Tom's hobbies included maintaining the farm, playing horseshoes, watching Carolina college basketball, having a drink with Jim and Debbie Cornelius, and serving on the Oak Point City Council.  Tom was a Catholic and his faith was very important to him.

He is survived by his children, Marshall Lilly, Bridgette Lilly, Rachel &Dominique Phillip, Nikki Lilly, Jamie &Dan O'Flaherty, Elizabeth & John Manning. He is also survived by his older sister, Margaret & Roy Arnold.  He is survived by his grandchildren, Thomas Yoon Lee, Dominque Kae Phillip, Cameron & Joshua Manning.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Lilly, his mother and father.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 5-7PM at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors, interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas.