To honor the memory of Sam Lilley

Samuel Walter Lilley's life was tragically cut short in a mid-air collision over Washington D.C. on January 29, 2025. He was a man of warmth and humor, and is already deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

This tragedy has left his loved ones grieving the loss of a son, brother, fiancé 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. Two souls lucky enough to be loved by Sam were his fiancée, Lydia's cat and dog, who were named Hallie and Leia, respectively.

He quickly fell in love with them, doting on them and cuddling for nap-time snuggles. The feeling was mutual. Sam happily took on the role of their dad, showering them with love, grace, compassion and most importantly - treats!

Their bond was one for the books. Sam's legacy will live on through each animal that Renegade Paws Rescue is able to save with your generous gift. You will see Sam's smile and feel his heart in the embrace of a dog who is sleeping soundly for the first time in his life. You'll see it in the brave bark of a tiny puppy, delivered without a chance for survival, but saved because of this donation. You'll feel him in the wagging tail of a dog brought back from the brink of death, running free and happy after a ball.

Sam will live on in each belly rub and slobbery kiss. His love for animals will transcend his life.

Sam also 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.