Ray Gene Tilley, age 66, of Lenoir passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at UNC Health Blue Ridge. He was born December 7, 1955 in Mercer County, West Virginia to the late James and Barbara Huffman Tilley. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one brother, Paul Tilley; four half-brothers, Gerald Tilley, Douglas Tilley, Randal Tilley, and Rodney Tilley; and one aunt, Edna Carr.

Mr. Tilley was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army 82 Airborne and a member of the Ramblers Motorcycle Club for 43 years. He retired from the furniture industry and excelled with his repair and wood working skills. Ray was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Melody Corpening and husband Chris and April Winkler and husband Jason; grandchildren, Bryce and Natalie Corpening, and Tyler, Spencer, and Maddux Winkler; fiancée, Cecilia Cook; extended grandchildren, Andrea, Jeter, Addie, Sammy, Letty, Brittany, Christopher, Kendall, and Cailyn; one brother, William Tilley; four sisters, June Rose, Mae Blevins, Sharon Smith, and Linda Arredondo; two half-brothers, Steven Tilley, and Gary Tilley; and numerous friends and extended family whom he loved very much.

Memorial services to honor the life of Mr. Tilley will be held Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by his dear friend, Tiger Johnson.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Due to COVID-19 face masks and social distancing will be required.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Tilley family.