John Keith Lilly

John Keith Lilly, 71, of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the SOMC Hospice Center with his family by his bedside.  Born on May 10, 1951 in Trotwood, he was a son of the late Robert and Betty Gullet Lilly and was a retired furniture warehouse manager from Elder Beerman after 40 years of service.

Keith was a talented Bluegrass musician having played the banjo, guitar and mandolin since he was nine years old.  He played with several groups in the Dayton and Portsmouth area, but the highlight was when he played at the Grand Ole Opry.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Bender Lilly; a son, Billy McGraw of South Charleston, OH; a daughter, Kimberly (Doug) Hutchinson of Fairborn; four grandchildren, Tyler (Lauren) Hutchinson, Zachary (Taylor) McGraw, Ally Hutchinson (AJ) and Shelby (Nick) Phillips; seven great-grandchildren, Landen, Hailey, Paisley, Bentley, Beckett, Peyton and Will; his brother-in-law, Roger (Ruthann) Bender of Portsmouth and his best friends Pat and Tom.  He was also the father of William and Christopher.

A Celebration of Keith’s Life will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the BRANT FUNERAL SERVICE IN SCIOTOVILLE.