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Celebrating the life of
Samuel Walter Lilley
May 16, 1996 - January 29, 2025
Samuel Walter Lilley was an impactful, hilarious person, genuine friend, and excellent partner. He lost his life in a mid-air collision over Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. This tragedy has left his loved ones grieving the loss of a son, brother, fiancée and friend. Sam’s passion for aviation was second only to his passion for those he loved. That love was at the heart of who he was, shaping his career in the skies and the relationships he built along the way.
Sam was a man of warmth, humor, and generosity. He made people feel at ease, whether through a poorly-timed joke or his ability to listen with sincerity. His kindness and enthusiasm for life extended far beyond the cockpit, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Born May 16, 1996, at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sam grew up in Richmond Hill, Georgia, where he was an active member of Coastal Community Christian Church. He graduated from Richmond Hill High School and then attended Georgia Southern University. While earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing, he spent a semester abroad in Germany. He grew to love travel, fine foods, music, and scuba diving. He was a proud member of the Theta Omega chapter of Delta Sigma Pi.
After graduation, he explored his options before following in his father’s footsteps to pursue an aviation career. He graduated from ATP Flight School in Daytona Beach, where he later became a flight instructor, shaping the next generation of pilots. He pursued his dream with unwavering determination, earning his wings through rigorous training and strenuous hours in the sky. As a First Officer with PSA Airlines, Sam was known for his skill, professionalism, and deep respect for his craft. Those who flew alongside him knew him not only as a talented pilot but also as a loyal and supportive colleague and a dependable friend.
Sam is survived by his fiancée, Lydia Coles of Charlotte, NC; mother, Dannah Lilley of Richmond Hill, GA; father, Tim Lilley and stepmother, Sheri Lilley, of Savannah, GA; sister, Tiffany Lilley Gibson of Pikeville, NC; brother, Joshua Lilley of Richmond Hill, GA; stepbrother Patrick Daugherty of Atlanta, GA; Nephews Jonathan Gibson (Madison) and Ryan Gibson; Niece, Kaitlyn Gibson and his larger close-knit circle of family, friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory forward. His legacy continues not only in the skies he loved but in the lives he touched with his generosity and spirit. Though his time was far too short, Sam’s mark on the world will endure in both the industry he was so passionate about and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Georgia Southern Savannah Fine Arts Center. Honorary pallbearers: Theta Omega chapter of Delta Sigma Pi
The family requests that in place of flowers, memorials may be made in Sam Lilley’s name to the Renegade Paws Rescue, Samaritan’s Purse, or the charity you feel best supports the values he held dear.
I met Sam on one of my layovers, boy did we have fun! We would often run into eachother on layovers although we worked two different airlines. Sam never called me by my correct name! He named me Izzy and in honor of him I have had my wings changed to read Izzy! Thank you for your impactful service, friendship and brotherhood in the airline industry!
- Flight Attendant Izzy Elliot, Los Angeles , CA
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Kelley Miller , Savannah , Georgia
Sam was such a good friend to me in high school. He introduced me to church. I participated in track and field with him and I immediately looked up to him. He was a great person. His hilarious laugh and awesome smile. It was always a blessing to be in Sam’s presence. You will always be in my prayers.
- Nadia Hernandez, Richmond Hill, GA
A candle has been lit!
My deepest condolences for your loss. Praying for the family may god embrace your hearts and bring you love and all the support you need during this difficult time. Rest in peace pilot Sam.
- Mila A , Snelllville , Ga
A candle has been lit!
Fly high peace in Paradise Captain Sam..I from Philippines.I do know you in person,but I see in your face you are amazing, and have a kind heart person. Deep condolences for the family.Prayers for you and your entire family.
- Cherry Serrano, Laguna, Philippines
I'm so very sorry for your loss of such a fine young man . Sending prayers for peace, comfort, and courage to his family and friends.
- Dawn Gorko, Sav, Ga
I knew Tim working with Lifestar. Good folks My heart goes to him and his family during this time of mourning
- Carolyn shuman , Savannah , Georgia
Even though we do not know each other, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all of you, family and friends, for the loss of First Officer Samuel Walter Lilley. There is no understanding of such a tragedy as this, but may it help to know that others do care very deeply for your pain and grief. May God watch over and bless you, showering you with peace and comfort, now and in the time ahead. May your loved one, Samuel, rest in peace.
- Carolyn S. Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
Just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of your loved one. May God wrap his healing powers to the family and friends of Samuel. From what I hear from one of his many friends like Ryan F that he was a wonderful friend. Prayers
- Helen Clements , Savannah , Georgia
Flying West I hope there’s a place, way up in the sky, where pilots can go , when they have to die- A place where a guy can go and buy a cold beer for a friend and comrade whose memory is dear; A place where no doctor or lawyer can tread, nor management type would be caught dead, Just a quiet little place, kinda dark and full of smoke, where they like to sing loud and love a good joke; The kind of place where a lady could go and feel safe and protected by the men she would know, There must be a place where old pilots go, when their paining is finished, and their airspeed gets low, Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young, and the songs about flying are sung, Where you’d see all the fellows who’d flown West before, And they’d call out your name as you came through the door; Who would buy you a drink if your thirst should be bad, And relate to the others, “He was quite a good lad!”. And then through the mist, you’d spot an old guy you had not seen for years, though he taught you to fly, He’d nod his old head and grin ear to ear, and say “Welcome my son, I’m pleased that you’re here. For this is the place where true flyers come, when the journey is over and the wars have been won. They’ve come here at last to be safe and alone, from the government clerk and the management clone, Politicians and Lawyers, the Feds and the noise, where the hours are happy and these good old boys Can relax with a cool one and a well deserved rest; This is heaven my son – you’ve passed your last test!”. written by Captain Michael J. Larkin, TWA (Ret) from a fellow airline pilot John Taylor, American Airlines Captain, Retired International Pilot, Boeing 767,757
- John M Taylor, New Holland, PA
I did not know your son, however I must tell your family how sorry I am for your loss!. Your loved one will not be forgotten and I am so grateful for his bravery and love of our country. Please try and take comfort that thousands and thousands of people around the world know his name and are praying for your family. May God bless you all!
- Dawn Martin, Rincon, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Sat, February 15, 2025
- Georgia Southern Savannah Fine Arts Center
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11935 Abercorn Street (map)
Savannah GA 31406