Billy Ray Tilley's Obituary
Billy Ray Tilley went to heaven on June 6, 2017, where he joined his beautiful sweetheart of sixty five years, Doris Turner Tilley.
Bill was born on July 30, 1928 in Electra, Texas to Willie Bea Tilley. He was one of the last survivors of the New London School explosion in 1937. Dad graduated from New London where he excelled in track and basketball. From 1951 until 1955 Dad was in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth. Texas.
From there he moved his family to Longview where he began his career with Texas Eastman Kodak Division. Dad retired after 35 years of service.
Many memorable hours were spent with Dad’s devoted friend and riding partner, Wilburn Gray on their motorcycles. Dad was an avid horse racing fan and he and longtime friend John Bullock enjoyed many races together.
Bill enjoyed golfing and on occasion Doris would enjoy the scenery while he played, especially if they were traveling in their RV. They traveled all over the United States. Their most cherished trips were to Alaska with close friends J.E. Salter and Cajun. Salmon fishing was always the highlight of these adventures.
Waiting to greet him in heaven are his mother, Willie Bea Tilley; his devoted wife, Doris; his brother Roy Tilley; sister-in-law Lou Tilley and niece Sherry Tilley. His special Aunt Gussie, who helped raise him as one of her own and father figure, Uncle George Stanton.
Survivors include two daughters; Dee Tilley Tullis and husband Charles, and Lesa Eubank and husband Mark; grandchildren Ashley Davis, Colby Davis and wife Chelsea, Chance Tullis, Jessica Eubank Weatherford and husband Keith; great grandchildren Tyson Bush and Joshua Weatherford; sister-in-law Dorothy Smith; and cousins Peggy McMillan, Gay Muston and Sue Latham.
Many thanks to our special angel, Lacresa, with Hospice of East Texas, affectionately known as London Girl to Billy Ray. Caregivers, Phyllis, who referred to Dad as Mr. Bill, and Clara, Dad’s “Buddy Wuddy”.
An extra special thank you to Mark Eubank for welcoming his father-in-law into his home for the peace, love and comfort during Dad’s final days here on earth.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Graveside services will be held at 4 PM Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Rosewood Park Mausoleum Chapel, 1884 FM 1844, in Longview, Texas. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home with Reverend Gala Strunk officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-4 PM on Saturday prior to the service.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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