[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 186 (Friday, October 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. THEODORE ROOSEVELT LILLY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 22, 2021

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Theodore ``Ted'' Roosevelt Lilly, Jr. A beloved member of our 
community, Mr. Lilly's life was marked by an unwavering commitment to 
spreading kindness and goodwill in the town of Oakboro, North Carolina.
  A lifelong resident of Oakboro, Mr. Lilly took a unique and selfless 
approach to serving his community. Aside from his brief work with 
Stanly Knitting Mills, Mr. Lilly never maintained formal or paid 
employment. Instead, he chose to serve the members of his community by 
spreading joy and benevolence. Every day for at least the last 30 
years, Mr. Lilly walked through town to visit every business and talk 
with customers and employees. If he happened to miss an employee, he 
would return to the same business later that day to speak with the 
individual. While walking, he made it a goal to extend a friendly 
welcome to any passersby he encountered. Such dedication earned Mr. 
Lilly the title ``Ambassador of Oakboro'' and made him a household name 
among residents.
  Mr. Lilly's steadfast commitment to building relationships with those 
in his community was undeterred. He extended great personal sacrifice 
by risking his own health and safety to complete his daily rounds. His 
family members often had to prevent him from walking in inclement 
weather, and he consistently ignored any pain associated with his 
kidney failure or diabetes in the process of completing his walks.
  Mr. Lilly passed away on October 19, 2021, and my thoughts and 
prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. I join our 
entire community in gratitude as we honor his extraordinary life.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy 
of Mr. Ted Lilly.

                          ____________________