Lake M. Lillard

Lake Monroe Lillard, 77, a resident of Etowah, passed away August 12, 2019 Starr Regional Medical Center in Etowah.  He was a graduate of Polk County High School and lettered in football.  While at POCOHI, he was honored by all of his peers with many class distinctions and awards.  He was very well liked and had many friends from Polk County and cherished every relationship that was made. 

After graduating from high school, he went onto further his education at Tennessee Wesleyan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.  Lake had a very successful career as the Director of Department of Human Services in Polk and McMinn counties.  He also taught math with the Polk County Department of Education and worked for the L&N Railroad.  During the Vietnam era, he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston as an x-ray technician with the U.S. Army Reserve.

Mr. Lillard comes from the Lillard family who was a very prominent family in Polk County, with his parents owning and operating J.M. Lillard Hardware, located across from the courthouse.  Lake was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Etowah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Haskell Lillard and Nelle Dunn Lillard; son, Lake Patrick Lillard; brother, Lt. Col. Larry Lillard; nephew, Cappy Lillard.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Ms. Terry Lillard; son, John Matt Lillard; granddaughter, Jordyn Leann Lillard; nephew, John (Deanna and children) Lillard; sister-in-law, Nancy Lillard.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Benton Memorial Gardens, 217 Patty Road, Benton, TN with The Reverend Rebecca Reed officiating.

We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the Lillard family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 923 Ohio Avenue, Etowah, TN.

Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, (423) 338-2834.