Fallen Hero: Retired Sergeant First Class Thomas Jackson Lily, IIIi

Brandon, MS

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Funeral Home

Baldwin Lee Funeral Home

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Obituary

Look Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero who Served in the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten.” In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service, which our military men and women have given to their country and our state, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard memorializing its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation. Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on July 15,  2026 and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Retired Sergeant First Class Thomas Jackson Lily, III, age 84, Brandon, MS, who served in the 1/185th Aviation has departed and gone to a better place with our Lord and Savior.  Tom had also worked fulltime within the AGO FMO office.

It takes a special person to serve in the military for their country, sacrificing time with family time, comfort, and safety to ensure all Americans can enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.

A special message from General Douglas MacArthur remains relevant today for our servicemen who have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away.” Rest in peace, soldier. We honor your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family’s support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly, and live so freely.

You have now earned your rest, so go fly with the angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is complete. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.

Another great soldier has gone home—“Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life.”

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

Thomas Jackson Lilly, III of Brandon, Mississippi, affectionately known as “Papaw” by those who loved him most, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on December 6, 1941, raised in Pontotoc, Mississippi, Tom lived a life marked by hard work, creativity, service, and deep love for his family. Though our hearts grieve his passing, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now at peace and made whole in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Tom had a remarkable ability to build, fix, and create. As a student at Mississippi State University, he became the very first human mascot to portray Bully. Using a football helmet, chicken wire, and papier-mâché, he designed and built the original mascot head himself—creating a unique piece of Mississippi State history that reflected both his ingenuity and school spirit.

Following college, Tom enjoyed a successful career as an engineer with Shell Oil Company before retiring. His desire to serve his country led him to continue his career in the Army National Guard, where he faithfully served for 35 years.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Whether he was working on his truck in the garage, carefully assembling model airplanes, or tending to his annual vegetable garden, Tom was happiest with a project in front of him. He loved working with his hands and took pride in doing things well.

More importantly, Tom faithfully served others. For many years, he welcomed worshippers each Sunday as a church greeter at Crossgates Baptist Church, faithfully serving at the crosswalk with a smile and a kind word. He also generously donated over eight gallons of blood through Mississippi Blood Services, giving the gift of life to countless people throughout the years. He was known for his quiet strength, gentle spirit, wisdom, perseverance, and unwavering love for his family. His steady presence and servant’s heart left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Tom is survived by his wife Anita Lilly, his daughters, Candace Adams (Shane Adams) and Sarah Lilly; sister, Cheryl Simmons; sister in law, Jeanine Lilly; his beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Noah (Jayanna), Josh (Taylor), Morgan (Peter), and Hannah; his great-grandson, Jackson; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and great-nephews who will continue to honor his memory.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thomas Jackson Lilly Jr. and Margaret Lilly; his brother, Houston Lilly; and his brother in law, Larry Simmons.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am until 1:00pm, Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Celebration of Life Services will follow at 1:00pm.

While we will miss his presence deeply, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a life of service, faithfulness, humility, and love. His hands built many things throughout his lifetime, but his greatest work was the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew and loved him.