Darrell Ray Tilley

Waynesville, Darrell Ray Tilley, 92, passed away, Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Grace Ridge Retirement Community. 

A native of Jackson County, he is the son of the late Lawrence and Bessie Moore Tilley.  Preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Patricia Ann McKee who died in 2023.  He is also preceded in death by a sister Dorothy Wike and a brother Dale Tilley.

Darrell proudly served in the United States Army during Korea.  He worked at Dayco as an Industrial Engineer / Human Resource Manager for 36 years.  He was a former member of Hazelwood Presbyterian Church and a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church.  Darrell was an avid golfer, a little league coach and president.  He was a member of the Pigeon River Toast Masters and Hazelwood Boosters Club.  He enjoyed volunteering along with Pat for the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels.

Darrell is survived by a daughter Lyn Daniel (Kent); two sons, Ray Tilley (Katherine) and James Tilley (Susy), five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

As most of you know, both Darrell and Pat passed away within a few months of each other.  We hope you will be able to join us for one of the following services celebrating their lives.

A joint gathering for Darrell and Pat will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.  Military Graveside Honors will follow at Garrett – Hillcrest Memorial Park.

A joint memorial service for Darrell and Pat will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at North Morganton United Methodist Church Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VIA Health Partners (Hospice) 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC  28150 or Blue Ridge Healthcare Foundation, Grace Ridge Endowment Fund, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC  28655.