Obituary of Lathan Gilbert Tilley

Lathan Gilbert "Bert" Tilley was born on August 21,1943 in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina. He passed away in his home on August 19, 2024 surrounded by his family.

He was the beloved son of Loy G Tilley and Lois G Carey and a loving husband to Iris C Tilley for 61 years. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Lathan Duane Tilley (spouse Stephanie Gentry Tilley) and Rhonda Tilley Rath (spouse Brian Rath).

Bert is preceded in death by one brother LG Tilley Jr (Dorothy) and sister Lila Day (Creed). He is survived by three sisters; Linda Lovitte (Linwood), Laura Page (Millard) and Lou Woods (Joe) and many nieces and nephews.

Bert was a proud grandparent to five grandchildren:Amanda Matherly (spouse Jason Matherly), Bailey Rath, Daniel Rath, Abbie Rath, and Jed Tilley. As well as two great grandchildren: Kinsley and Kayden Matherly. He graduated from Aycock High School in 1961, and later went on to work at the Public Gas Company (PSNC) until his retirement in 2000.

Bert was known as the man that could fix anything he could get his hands on, which usually included some kind of gas pipe. He was a lifelong devoted member of Walnut Grove UMC where he will be remembered for his pivotal role in the annual Harvest Festival Brunswick stew. He took great pride in serving his church with his talents by creating a way to cook 2,000 quarts of Brunswick stew in cast iron pots; It was a wonderful day he looked forward to every year.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service immediately following in the church cemetery.