Reginald Irving Tilley, Jr

Mr. Reginald Irving "Rex" Tilley, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. He was a lifelong resident of Mount Airy with the exception of the years he served our country after enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. He spent most of his naval service in the southern Pacific Ocean. He was a sales representative for most of his working career. Rex was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family and extended family. He was a member of First Baptist Church, The Oasis Shriners of Charlotte, and Renfro Masonic Lodge #691 AF and AM. He and Millie enjoyed traveling, especially spending time at Lake Tahoe with family and friends. In his later years, he enjoyed annual reunions with World War II shipmates from across the country. Born January 6, 1919, he was preceded in death by his father, Reginald Irving Tilley, Sr.; his mother, Berta Lee Hatcher Tilley; sisters, Edith Tilley Robards and Mary Ella Tilley Lancaster; and brother, Smith Bennett Tilley. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years of marriage, Dora Mildred "Millie: Tilley. Survivors are his children, Reginald Irving "Reggie" Tilley III of Bellevue, Washington, John Leslie Tilley and wife, Ann Daughtery Tilley, of Sherrills Ford, and Karen Tilley Gunter and husband, Dr. William Barrett Gunter, Jr. of Durham. His grandchildren are Reginald Irving "Chip" Tilley IV, Jonathan Hunter Tilley, Angela Tilley Southard and husband, David Southard, Bryan Chadwick Tilley, Margaret Blair Tilley, Diana Elizabeth Tilley, Kathryn Elizabeth Gunter, and Bennett Thomas Gunter. Two great-grand-daughters, Leslie Brook Golding and Natasha Tilley, survive him. A funeral service will be Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Mount Airy, with family visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Oakdale Cemetery. The family is grateful for the loving care given to Mr. Tilley by his caregivers: Truvella Stockton, Angela Stockton, Jessica Stockton, Nanette Henry, Millie Frazier, Candi Gunter, Porshia Hairston, Makeia Washington, Keishan Hairston, and Pam Dhesi. The family is especially grateful for the support and care from Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. The family also thanks a very special friend, Mr. David Epperson, for his friendship over many years. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030, and First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.