Obituaries
Obituary: Larry Lillie
Larry's love for those close to him was evident in the way he listened, encouraged, and stood by the people he cherished.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Larry Lillie
Larry Lillie passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 25, 1967, in Gadsden, Alabama, to Preston and Sarah (née Sanders) Lillie. In 1979, Larry moved to Chicago, but Alabama always held a special place in his heart and remained home to him.
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Larry had a deep love for sports and was a devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bulls, and the Dallas Cowboys. His passion for sports was one of the many special bonds he shared with his older brother, Preston. Rarely did a day go by without the two of them talking—often more than once—and they treasured the trips they made back home together.
Larry and Kris were united in marriage on July 22, 2000, and together they made their home in Joliet. One of his greatest joys was supporting his children, and he could almost always be found cheering from the sidelines at their games. He also cherished the time he spent with his daughters and grandchildren, creating memories that will be deeply treasured.
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After retiring in 2020, Larry and Kris embraced the joy of travel and the outdoors. Together, they made countless memories camping with family and friends and exploring the country in their cherished RV, “Baloo.”
Larry was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army. He also dedicated many years of hard work to the Chicago Transit Authority, where he built a lasting career before retiring.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kristina Erdmann; his children, Lajessica Lillie, Lashawndria Lillie, Tyler Erdmann, and Reese Lillie; and his cherished grandchildren, Aaden, Aamir, Aamari, Zyionna, Terrence, Colin, Caden, and Kinzley. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna Jackson, Sheila Cherry, Sharon Morris, Regina (Luther) Buntin, Preston Lillie, Preston Edward Harvey, Michael Pierce, and Annie Ruth Christian; along with many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Lillie; his father, Preston Edward; his brother, Danny Ray Harvey; and his stepmother, Gladys Lillie.
Visitation for Larry Lillie will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. Due to his request, cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Inurnment will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lightways Hospice of Joliet.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
