Photo courtesy of Bradley's Funeral Home & Crematory - Marion
Dec 22, 1952 - Apr 13, 2025
Gary always was kind and had a smile on his face. He was a great guy and loving father. Prayers to the family.
Robin Zachary
April 21, 2025 | Wytheville, VA | Friend
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers
Lee Baker
April 17, 2025 | Sugar Grove, VA | Acquaintance
Tina and Jesse
I am so very sorry for the passing of your dad - Gary was a wonderful person and he will be missed- May Gary be Resting In Peace- praying for comfort for the family
Claudette Yonts
April 17, 2025 | Rural Retreat, VA | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
Linda Brinkley
April 17, 2025 | Wytheville, VA | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terry Ball
April 16, 2025 | Troutdale, VA | Friend
So sorry to learn of Gary's passing. We were in the '71 class at CHS. Remembering his #73 jersey and the state champs he helped win. Saw him a few years ago at the dinner theatre in Wytheville and he recognized me. A great few minutes of memories.
Never will he be forgotten.
Millie Duncan-Peek
April 15, 2025 | Knoxville, TN | Friend
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Gary was a good friend, and he will be missed. May God bring comfort and healing during this sad time.
Herman & Geneva Kirk
April 15, 2025 | Troutdale, VA | Friend
So sorry to hear about Gary. Gary was a humble man. Prayers for the family.
Connie Atwell
April 15, 2025 | Atkins Va., VA | Friend
Susan, I am thinking of you and your family. God bless you.
Becky Langston
April 15, 2025 | Rural Retreat, VA | Friend
TROUTDALE, VA
Gary Erwin Tilson, age 72, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA.
Gary was born on December 22, 1952, in Smyth County, VA. A dedicated and hardworking man, he spent 33 years behind the wheel as a professional truck driver. Known for his love of the open road, Gary also had a deep appreciation for classic Westerns, especially those starring John Wayne, and enjoyed collecting coins as a cherished hobby. Gary was a 35+ year member of the Smyth County Moose Lodge #1004 and a member of Rowland Creek Church. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, finding his greatest joy in the laughter and love of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Garland & Martha Taylor Tilson, and a brother-in-law Leonard Hamm.
Survivors include his daughter Tina Delp; son Jessie Tilson & wife Nicki; brother Richard “Dickie” Tilson & wife Connie; sisters Connie Rosenbaum & husband Sammy and Susan Hamm; grandchildren Cody Sumner & wife Whitney, Kayla Delp & Noah Whitlow, and Jagger Tilson; great grandchildren Wesley, Wyatt, & Cora Sumner, Oaklynn Whitlow, and Kash Delp; along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00PM, Thursday, April 17, 2025, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Pastor Ken Riggins, Pastor Brian Walls, Pastor Homer Murdock, and Brother Bradley Tilson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Private graveside services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gary to the Troutdale Fire & Rescue. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Tilson Family.
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