Photo courtesy of Bradley's Funeral Home & Crematory - Marion
Marion, Virginia
Feb 27, 1971 – May 22, 2024
MARION, VA
Roger Dale Tilson "Rabbit", passed away at his home on Scratch Gravel in Marion, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Roger was very loved by his community. He was a loving and kindhearted person that everyone loved. He never met a stranger. He always said speak to everyone you see because you don't never know what kind of day that person is having. Roger graduated from Marion Senior High School in 1989.
He was a member of the Marion Fire Department EMS for 23+ yrs. He enjoyed driving around at Christmas with the Santa sleigh with the Mayor David Helms, and the Grinch. Watching the faces of kids and even adults, he loved it.
He started working at K-mart. And then went to Visdor (Coffman stairs) where he spent 20 plus yrs. Later he went off to living his dream of driving a truck for Kegley Trucking. He worked 4yrs at general dynamics. Then to the Town of Marion. He had made forever friends at all places. He was known for the trash truck driver, and he loved going around blowing the horn at everyone. Most of all seeing the kids getting excited and waiting on the trash truck. Roger also enjoyed helping with the VFW post 4667 with putting flags out on the courthouse lawn for Memorial Day.
Roger was proceeded in death by his parents, Stanley and Pauline Tilson. One brother George Allen Tilson. The ones left behind to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Donna H Tilson of 17 years, who he loved with all his heart and stood beside her all the way; sons Tyler Tilson and wife Jessica, of Chilhowie, Junior Hall and wife Meranda of Marion; grandchildren Brock, Myndee, Autumn, Rizia Bentley, Lee, Brylee, Jynna Hall all of Marion; his miracle grand-baby Hadleigh Tilson of Chilhowie; two fur baby's Chewbacca and Lola; brother and sister-in-law Clark and Tonya Tilson; nephew Cooper Tilson from Caramel Indiana; special uncle Bill Gullion; and aunt Frances Cassell & husband Jimmy.
We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at WCCH for taking good care of him. Wythe Hospice of SWVA for their support. His wife would like to thank the family and Fire/EMS for all they did, and all the friends and family that came to see him.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00PM, Sunday, May 26, 2024, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Pastor Ernie Powers and Pastor David Bise officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00-6:00PM, on Sunday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat. Full Fire/EMS Honors will be rendered by the Marion Fire and EMS. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30AM for the procession to the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Tilson Family.
Read MoreRoger was always present for Marion. I true example of giving and service to his fellow man. He will be greatly missed, greatest sympathy to his family, friends and all who served alongside him. May God comfort you and lessen the impact of this loss.
Avery Cornett
May 26, 2024 | MARION, VA | Friend
sorry to hear about roger we worked together at visador for 3 years he taught me everthing i know about running a tenton machine every time we saw each other in town he would always say hi
luther salyers
May 26, 2024 | Marion, VA | Friend
So sorry Donna and Tyler and Jr and meranda for your loss we all are in our thoughts and prayers and will always remember what a special man he was we are here for you all if you need anything we love you all
Norma and Anthony Hayden
May 25, 2024 | Marion, VA | Family
I've known Roger for while but he has great great heart soul. He'd never leave you in harms way. Always there if you was stressed out but feel.like talking. He loved Donna with all his heart and the family. Rabbit, #onna and all family and all friends you made through life and community and anyone else life that you touched is going to miss you very much cause you my dear friend was very special person to all. We shall all see you again my friend rest in peace.
Rhonda Bannister
May 25, 2024 | Fountain Inn, SC | Friend
Jason tilson and family iam lost for words rodger was such a good person I wish I could just see and talk to him one last time love you rodger prayers for all the family
Jason Tilson
May 25, 2024 | Sugar Grove, VA | Family
Roger Rabbit was 1 of a kind. I know he will be missed terribly. He would have done anything for anyone. He had a huge heart. R. I. P. My friend.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Deborah Steele Evans
May 24, 2024 | Marion, VA | Classmate
Donna I am truly sorry for your loss. Rog was a great friend of mine since grade school and continued on to graduation and life. I considered him a true friend. Rest in Peace Rog and Donna please reach out if I can do anything for you and your family.
Diana Ashley
May 24, 2024 | Marion, VA
I'm truly going to miss you buddy. Didn't have the pleasure of knowing you for very many years, but in those few years we became good friends. Will miss you blowing your trash truck horn a couple of houses before you got to mine so this old man would have time to make it to the curb to chat a few words with you. This street hasn't been the same since you had to stop driving. I'm sure it's the same on all the streets in the town of Marion. You were truly one of a kind. The mold has been...
jerry reed
May 24, 2024 | Marion, VA | Friend
I had the honor of working with Rabbit at Coffman Stairs for close to 3 years. He loved to joke around and give me a hard time. The work days went by faster bc of his great personality. Rabbit you will truly be missed. To Donna and the entire family you are in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Ashley Snavely
May 24, 2024 | Marion, VA | Friend