Thomas Graham Tilley, Sr.

Mr. Thomas Graham Tilley, Sr., 95, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday morning, October 5, 2020, at Central Continuing Care.  Mr. Tilley was born July 24, 1925, in Surry County, the son of the late Melvin Reid Tilley and Myrtle Elmer Inman Tilley Holt.  Graham served our country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He retired as a truck driver from Mountain River Trucking Company and was a member of Westside Baptist Church.  He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Graham Tilley, Jr. and Teresa Tilley of Mount Airy and Mark and Evelyn Tilley of Monroe; his grandchildren, Amanda and Ryan Loiacono of California and Jeremy and Kerri East of Gastonia; his great-grandchildren, Ayden Loiacono, Lucas Loiacono, Piper East, and Cameron East; several nieces and nephews; a special roommate at Central Continuing Care, John Hiatt; and a special caretaker, Iona McBride of Mount Airy.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Tilley was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou Venable Tilley; and four sisters, Ida Flinchum, Ethelene Bowman, Lennis Johnson, and Jennie Holt (infant).  A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 2:00 PM at Oakdale Cemetery, with the Rev. Steve Johnson officiating.  No formal visitation will be held; however, family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday from 7:30 AM until 12:30 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.  Due to public health concerns, attendees are requested to wear a face mask and practice social distancing.  The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by the staff at Central Continuing Care and Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.