Richard Perry Lilly

Richard Perry Lilly, age 75, departed this life after a valiant fight against a long illness on December 29, 2020. Born in Little Rock, Ark., on June 30, 1945, he was raised in Carlisle, Ark. After graduating from Carlisle High School, Richard went on to graduate from Arkansas Tech in Russellville with a degree in history and political science. Upon college graduation, he attended U.S. Army officer's school and eventually achieved the rank of U.S. Special Forces Captain where he served his country during the conflict with Vietnam. He was instrumental along with fellow Arkansas Vietnam veterans in the creation of the Arkansas State Capitol Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Upon his military retirement, Richard worked in insurance management, property management, and at Small Group Therapy. He is survived by the love of his life of fifty-five years, wife Nancy Guyer Lilly; daughter, Suzy Lilly Saettele; son-in-law, Rob Saettele; and his two grandchildren, Dylan and Isabelle Saettele. He will be most remembered by all as a dedicated family man who loved the outdoors and had a wealth of knowledge that he shared passionately wherever he went. He was a strong force, just, and a man of his word. He will be missed by many. Memorials may be made to Paws and Claws Rescue, P.O. Box 20254, Hot Springs, Ark., 71903 or pawsandclawsrescue.org.