Dr. Robert Lewis Tilley, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Robert “Bob” Lewis Tilley, Sr, age 93, of Sanford, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, June 1, 2025, quietly at home. Bob was born to the late Charlie and Bessie Tilley on September 5, 1931, in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, ‘Poppa’, and retired Baptist Minister. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Yvonne Spires Tilley; children Robert Jr.(predeceased) (Lori), son Charles (Gwen), a daughter Sarah (Mike), son Mark (Lynn); his grandchildren, Hannah Tilley, Rachael Tilley, Emma Tilley, Virginia Tilley, Mae Tilley, Michael Till, Joy Till, Luke Till, and Olivia Tilley, a brother Jerry and his son Neil; and many relatives near and far.  He will be deeply missed.

Bob graduated from J.W. Cannon High School, Queens Business College, Wheaton College, Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and Luther Rice Seminary obtaining his Doctorate in Ministry. He pastored four Baptist churches in North and South Carolina, and served as an interim pastor and Associational Missionary until his retirement to Sanford, North Carolina. 

He proudly served two enlistments in the US Navy, first at the end of the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War. After release from active duty, he joined the US Navy Reserves and served as a Lieutenant Commander and Chaplain until he was honorably discharged. 

Throughout his life he loved to spend time with his children and extended family, play the piano, sing in the church choir, and was the head chef for the family. He was a talented artist, enjoying telling the story of Christ’s life in fluorescent chalk and crocheting  afghans for family and friends.

In retirement, he tutored elementary students in reading and enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels, and ‘all God’s little creatures’ in the backyard.  He was active for more than 20 years in the fellowship of Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church, a member of the Life Matters Sunday School class, and church choir. 

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to his caregivers, Penny, Linda, Melissa, Liberty Hospice, Visiting Angels, Liberty Commons, and staff for all the love, concern and care that they provided for Mr. Bob. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in honor of Bob to Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church, 316 West Main Street, Sanford, NC, 27332 or the charity of your choice. A celebration of life service for Bob will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church with burial following the service at Lafayette Memorial Park, 2301 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301 with Military Honors. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Church sanctuary before the service.  

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