William Vono "Bill" Tilley, of Mint Hill, NC, died peacefully on October 12, 2012, with his family at his side after a long, courageous battle with lung disease. He was born July 27, 1935 in Charlotte, NC, the son of the late William Virgil Tilley and Selma Duncan Tilley.
He was a lifelong resident of Mecklenburg County and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School, where he was a proud member of the Class of 1953.
He was a member of Philadelphia Presbyterian Church and had served as both Deacon and Elder, and was a founding member of the Ralph Leete Fellowship Sunday School Class.
He served on a number of committees in the church, was a past Sunday School and Bethel Bible Teacher, a member of the Chancel Choir for 61 years, a Stephen Minister, former Treasurer of the church, member of the Philadelphia Men of the Church and was elected Elder Emeritus in 2011. He also had served on several committees of the Mecklenburg/Charlotte Presbytery and was named one of Charlotte Presbytery’s Outstanding Older Adults for 2012. In addition, he was active in the NC Presbyterian Pilgrimage and was blessed to be associated with this organization. He was honored when named Rector Emeritus in April, 2012 for his years of service in the movement.
Bill was a past president of the Myers Park Civitan Club and a past member of the CMUD Advisory Board. He served in the 801st Signal Base Depot USAR from 1959 to 1963.
He retired from Hough, Rowell & Short, PA in 2001, but continued to work during tax season for Rowell, Craven & Short, PA until health issues forced permanent retirement in 2011. Previously, he had been employed by Carolina Metal Products, Concrete Materials and successor companies, Gifford Hill & Exposaic Industries.
He is survived by his wife/best friend/confidant and the love of his life for 57 years, Sue Todd Tilley; his daughter, Laura Tilley Wright and husband, John M. Wright, Jr., granddaughter, Katherine Suzanne Wright, and grandson, Sean Alexander Wright, all of Richmond, Virginia; brother-in-law, Larry W. Todd of Ft. Mill, SC; and his special cousin, Larry E. Reed and wife, Joyce. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, with the Rev. Dr. William G. Katibah, Jr., the Rev. Lee A. Koontz, and Russell Reighley, CLP officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 15, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the General Endowment Fund or the Current Fund of the church, or to Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233.
The family would like to thank Drs. Elizabeth Dean, Stuart Garner, Jonathan McLean and their staffs, and the staff of Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care for their excellent care.
Jesus said, “This I command you, to love one another.” – John 15:17
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
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