ELLERBE — Ray Davis Tilley, 71, known to family and friends as “Bud,” passed away Monday morning, Jan. 4, 2021, at Autumn Care of Biscoe following a period of declining health.
A former resident of Ellerbe, he was born Feb. 13, 1949, a son of the late David and Nettie Puckett Tilley.
He grew up in Richmond County and often worked in the tobacco fields with his family. His working career included employment in the textile industry working with Parkdale Mills for 15 years, being a truck driver in the beauty supply industry, and finally as a security guard with the Budd Group at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem.
He is survived by a son, Mike Tilley (Erica) and a stepson, Doug Lawter, both of Lexington; one daughter, Alicia Staley (Tommy) of Biscoe; three grandchildren, Jonah Tilley, Aaron Tilley and Sabrina Staley; two sisters, Carolyn Spivey (Jerry) of Ellerbe and Mary Jo Rogers (William) of Norman; nieces and nephews, Billie Jo Hicks (Rodney), Eddie Rogers (Shaqueena Walker), Dianne Mounce (Daris), Yvonne Spivey, Bobby Williams (Renee), Candi Tilley, Juwana Chavis and Porshia Chavis-Oxendine; plus a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Walser Tilley; and one brother, Roger Lee Tilley, who died just four days earlier on Dec. 31, 2020.
In accordance with his wishes, services will be private for the family.
Carter Funeral Home is serving the Tilley family. Condolences and messages of reflection may be posted online at www.carterfuneral.net.
