Tyrone was born on November 26, 1945, in High Point, NC, to the late Willie Bell Huff Lilly and James Lilly. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Fredric Lilly.

In his younger years, you may have recognized him as “Cuda Lilly,” and he was always a snazzy dresser.

Tyrone graduated from William Penn High School and attended Guilford Technical Community College. He built furniture with dedication and retired from Brookline Furniture at age 62.

In his retirement, Tyrone delighted in travel, especially cruising the seas, and he’s always been a lifetime Duke Blue Devils fan. In his youth, Tyrone attended Christ the King Catholic Church in High Point, NC, where he served as an altar boy. In his later years, he joined Word of Life Tabernacle, where he’s been an active, faithful member for over 35 years.

To know Tyrone was to love him. He was fun-loving, jovial, and always had a great story to tell. He loved to laugh, never met a stranger, and made everyone feel welcome. He was a steadfast husband and father, always ready with encouragement. A man of deep faith, he leaned on God through life’s challenges, and his resilient spirit will forever inspire us.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, and joyful grandfather who touched every life. In June 1970, he married the love of his life, Bertha Diggs Lilly. They welcomed their daughter, Tamara Nicole Johnson, on June 8, 1981. Tamara, her husband Steven Tyrone Johnson, and their son Gavin Steven Johnson now reside in Charlotte.

Tyrone is survived by his loving wife, Bertha Diggs Lilly; his daughter, Tamara (Steven) Johnson; his grandson, Gavin Steven Johnson; his sister, Jaunita (Howard) Lilly Tyner; as well as his brother, Wayne (Mary) Lilly all residing in High Point. He also leaves behind other loved relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Word of Life Tabernacle Church, 1801 Deep River Road. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.