Delbert Delano Tilley

He was born June 14, 1933, in Iredell County, and was the son of the late William Clayton and Ruth Bruce Tilley. He was retired from Southern Screw Company after 42 years of service and later retired from Perdue Farms. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army and attended Sandy Ridge United Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, Dad, and Grandpa who enjoyed teasing his grandchildren. Delbert cared greatly for others and tirelessly helped everyone regardless of the circumstances. He cared for his mother prior to her death and cared deeply for his family, always lending a hand. He was an accomplished mechanic who enjoyed working on cars, lawn mowers, and anything with a motor and even operated his own wrecker service. He enjoyed gardening and playing the guitar, especially thumb-style guitar. He greatly enjoyed local musicians.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Alfred Tilley; and a sister-in-law, Mildred Tilley.

Delbert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Daniels Tilley, whom he married on December 24, 1953; three daughters, Margaret Lewis (Rick) and Benita Tilley both of Statesville, and Phyllis VanHoy (Casey) of Union Grove; twin sons, Barry Tilley of Olin and Terry Tilley (Parianne) of Statesville; ten grandchildren, David Boyd (Amber), Bridgett Lippard (Danny), Colby Lewis, Tyler Lewis, Landon Tilley, Koby Tilley, Luke VanHoy, Sam VanHoy, Dustin McGlamery, and Haily McGlamery; three great-grandchildren, Cole Lippard, Spike and Blake Boyd; a sister, Nancy T. Millsaps (Rayford) of Statesville; three brothers, Jack Tilley, Jimmy Tilley, and Bobby Tilley (Shirley) all of Statesville; and a sister-in-law, Lorraine Tilley of Statesville.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday at Sandy Ridge United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marsha Joyner and the Rev. Phillip Setzer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Tuesday at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home and at other times will be at the residence.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Sandy Ridge United Methodist Church, c/o Margaret Lewis, 433 Falcon Lane, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Salisbury VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.