Earl William Lively Jr.'s Obituary
A day shy of Independence Day, a very important day in History to him, we all lost a great American Hero -- and most importantly, a Hero of a Daddy and Husband. A Veteran of WW II, as a very young man, he joined the Navy to honor his brother. Then he joined the Air Force (first class to wear the blue uniforms, 49-B), then went to the Air National Guard to fly Fighter Jets, retiring as Colonel Earl William Lively, Jr. He had his favorite nickname painted on the side of his F-86 Jet: W.H.F.P. (World’s Hottest Fighter Pilot). He had a genius mind for Politics, History, Philosophy, and Literature…he was a walking Encyclopedia of knowledge…he taught and inspired so many, was quoted in Ayn Rand’s “Objectivism: The Unknown Ideal” and had a nationally syndicated radio show and column. “Lively Comments” inspired a lot of minds. His library collection is unmatched, and thank goodness there are so many articles he wrote to pass on to future generations. He was also one of the leading authorities on the JFK assassination. Earl and his wife, Della, were locally known as Lively Realty and so loved and respected in the Dallas Real Estate world for many, many years. Their integrity was unmatched. He was also the funniest, "punniest" master of the English language and humor.
A huge Dallas Cowboys fan, Earl was friends with the likes of Bob Lilly and "Bullet" Bob Hayes through the Guard, and he was a true blue (and silver) fan -- and inspired his daughter, Anna, to be the biggest fan ever, by raising her on the 50-yard line! Their Super Bowl trips were some of their happiest days. He was a legendary Ballroom dancer…just ask Ava Gardner, one of his friends and dancing partners when he was at the ANG in Puerto Rico and befriended all the stars and show folk. He passed on his love for the music of Great American Songbook and Broadway and the Singers of that heyday to his daughter, Anna, who performs them as a career. And took her backstage at every production and inspired her acting and singing passions.
He is preceded in death by his wonderful wife of almost 60 years, Della J. Lively and his brother, Gordon R. Lively. He is survived by his daughter, Anna Rand Lively, who is so grateful for every moment he loved her and inspired her.
There will be a celebration of his life at Wildwood Chapel at Restland in Dallas this coming Friday, July 28th, 10:00 AM, with full military honors outside the chapel. Please wear blue for the Air Force and/or something celebrating the Dallas Cowboys, which were both a huge part of his life.
What’s your fondest memory of Earl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Earl?
Share a story where Earl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Earl you’ll never forget.
How did Earl make you smile?