Donald Elwin William Lillie

MARS HILL – Donald “Gaffer” Elwin William Lillie, age 96, of Mars Hill passed away Monday, January 6, 2025.

Don was born February 19, 1928, in Olmsted, MN and resided in Cobb County, GA for 66 years before moving to Mars Hill in 2021. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After an apprenticeship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, he became a master glassblower and served as the resident glassblower at Georgia Tech for 30 years. He served as President of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGS). Gaffer also established Lillie Glassblowers, a family business recognized for both its scientific apparatus and artistic creations. Some of his contributions included work for Corning Inc. and Coca-Cola, and crafting unique glass mosquito feeders for the CDC. One of his favorite hobbies was to build and fly radio-controlled airplanes. He restored a rumble-seat 1931 Model A Ford and would take leisurely drives with this car affectionately named “Binger.”

He was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy Cecilia Hofschulte Lillie, and husband of the late Maxine Wohlers Lillie who died in 2016.

Surviving are his daughter, Robyn Ratajczak (Tom) of Asheville; son, Thom Lillie of Smyrna, GA; grandchildren, Todd Ratajczak, Ross Ratajczak, and Camille Lillie; and 4 Ratajczak great-grandchildren.

Don’s family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff that made his 3 years at Mars Hill Manor an enjoyable, comfortable and safe experience.

There will be a simple goodbye with family and friends on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville.

He will be interred with his wife at Cheatham Hill Cemetery (Marietta, GA) on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00am. Further details will be updated on our website when available.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Don’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name to the SECU Center for Memory Care www.memorycare.org would be appreciated.