Christopher Lilley, 54, passed away peacefully at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia, on February 12, 2026.

Born on August 1, 1971, in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, Chris spoke often of his roots. That early sense of place stayed with him throughout his life and shaped the way he understood connection, loyalty, and community.

Chris had a remarkable gift for friendship. He made it a priority to stay in touch, regularly reaching out simply to ask how others were doing. His mind was persistent and active, constantly generating new ideas, and he possessed an enduring drive to live a productive and meaningful life.

His interests were wide-ranging and thoughtful. He was interested in accounting and closely followed the workings of the U.S. government by watching the news. Chris expressed himself creatively through music and art. He composed electronic music using keyboards, vintage karaoke machines, and layered beats to create unique, droning soundscapes that reflected his rich interior world.

Chris also filled pages with drawings—he rendered buildings and places he had driven through, often linked together by intricate networks of power lines. These images reflected both his eye for structure and his deep belief in maintaining connections. To Chris, relationships carried energy, and like power lines stretching across distances, the bonds between people kept life flowing.

Though he may have faced a difficult beginning, Chris trusted in God and in the steadfast presence of his friends throughout his journey. He met setbacks with resilience and never lost his steady optimism about what the future might hold.

Chris was a member of the recovery community for eleven and a half years and loved the friends he made. He valued the shared commitment to growth and honesty, and he was grateful for the steady support and fellowship he found there. Chris will be deeply missed by the many friends whose lives he touched with his curiosity, creativity, faith, and unwavering effort to stay connected.

A memorial service for Chris will be held at First Christian Church on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Dr. Jarrett G. Banks officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Contributions in memory of Chris may be made to First Christian Church, 3109 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia 24503; to Roads to Recovery, 3000 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501; or to a charity of your choice. When you think of Chris, you might also honor him by reaching out to someone, offering encouragement, or performing a simple act of kindness – keeping the energy of connection he valued so deeply flowing forward.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com