In Memory

Albert Lilly

Aug. 29, 1950 - Jan. 20, 2017 Dr. Henry Albert Lilly, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, died on January 20, 2017, at his home in Tuscaloosa. He was 66. Albert was born to James and Lyda Lilly on August 29, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas. He was the first of four children. The family lived in St. Louis, Missouri, Trussville, Alabama, Sewanee, Tennessee and Cullman, Alabama, before settling in Tuscaloosa. Albert graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1968. He earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in tax accounting, and a master's degree in computer science from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Shortly after graduating from high school Albert enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and served for two years. After returning to Tuscaloosa from being stationed in Europe, Albert met and fell in love with Ann Hays. They married on June 24, 1981, and enjoyed over 35 years together. After completing his master's degrees, he became a CPA and worked as a CPA for several years. He completed his Ph.D. in 1990 and then found his true professional calling as a teacher of computer science at the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile. He was devoted to teaching and many of his students went on to excel in the field of computer science. He taught at ASMS from its inception in 1991 until his retirement in 2014. Albert's first love after his wife was bridge. He made many friends as he traveled to tournaments throughout the country. Bridge became their hobby and Albert and Ann competed as a pair at many tournaments. Albert had a phenomenal ability to recall in detail many bridge hands played far in the past. Albert's mind was always in gear and often on its own independent track. At times this meant that he would suddenly and without warning resume a conversation with you that had been started months earlier. He was an original thinker and you could count on him to provide a perspective that you had not yet considered. Albert's Christian faith played a central role in his life. He was a member of the Episcopal Church since childhood and he maintained an active commitment to the church throughout his life. He joined the Cursillo movement in mid-life and lovingly encouraged family and friends to try the experience which had meant so much to him. He was devoted to his wife, his students, and his family, and he sought to make kindness and caring for others a guiding principle in his life. Albert is survived by his wife, Ann; three siblings and their spouses, Janice Lilly and Cary Buzzelli of Bloomington, Indiana, Mark and Gloria Lilly of Birmingham, Alabama, and Bruce Lilly and Kitch Carter of Bloomington, Indiana. He is also survived by two nieces and six nephews. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa today, January 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lazarus Ministry at Christ Church or the charity of your choice . Condolences may be made at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com.

Published in the Mobile Register and Baldwin County on Jan. 25, 2017