But it can leave heartache, that only time can heal.
Some may forget him now that he’s gone.
But most will remember him, no matter how long.
Horace Clinton Tillery, son of the late William and Irene Tillery was born, as he would say, the “1st month, 15th day, year 50”, in the small town of Elm City, North Carolina.
Horace peacefully passed from this life into eternal life on October 5, 2020 after a long valiant battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was both private and personal when it came to his faith, praying and talking to God under his own terms, believing He was going to heal him. He attended Central Church of God when he could until his health no longer afforded him the ability to travel.
After graduating in 1967 from Frederick Douglass High School in Elm City, North Carolina, Horace spent several years in New York working as a butcher in a meat plant before attending Truck driving school in Charlotte, NC where he earned his CDL license. Driving was his passion and was his happiest when he was behind the wheel. He contracted with several different trucking companies after receiving his CDL and after three short months with CX Roberson Trucking company was awarded driver of the month for his professionalism and safety. So it was no surprise when he became the sole owner operator of Tillery Trucking Company in the later part of 2000. He drove his rig for many years before his illness robbed him of his strength and stamina.
No longer able to drive his big wheel as he called it, Horace focused his attention on other things. His second love and new hobby was cars. He would spend many hours changing breaks and tinkling under the hood for family and friends. He prided himself in being a self-taught mechanic, plummer, electrician and handyman with the ability (he thought) to be able to fix anything from cars to minor home repairs.
Anyone who ever met him will not forget him for his tall tales about his high school days, especially when he played basketball, or his superior memory for events that took place in his early years that he expected you to remember as well, and his infectious passion for gab. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with a rock.
In 1968 Horace married the love of his life Algie Gray, with whom he had known since his eye pried a little girl with pig tails. Their marriage was a long haul journey that produced two sons, beautiful memories and unwavering commitment to each other. It was a union that honored “Until death do us part”.
His memory will be forever cherished and kept alive by his adoring eternal wife and longtime caretaker, Algie; his two sons, D’Anthony (Wanda) and Brandon Tillery; two grandchildren, Myles and Sydney Tillery; one great granddaughter, Nevaeh Tillery; two sisters, Ilean Williams and Sandra (Steven) Graham; two brothers, William Tillery and Wilbert Tillery; a host of loving nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.
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