Franklin Tilley

Franklin D. Tilley (also called "Frank" or "Frankie" by those closest to him). Born on Dec. 31, 1936, to Jack and Mattie Tilley, in Westfield, Frank was the seventh of nine children. He was a tobacco farmer most of his life but was also handy with just about anything. A hard-working family, the Tilleys grew most of their food, which was typical of farm families at that time. At one point, Frank purchased a farm in the Black Water community and raised broiler chickens for several years. After he retired from farming, he worked at Westfield Recycling Center. Frank never met a stranger and was always willing to help a neighbor. In his younger days, Frank was an avid rabbit hunter and loved running through the woods and fields with his beagles. Later, he enjoyed riding his horse, Dancer, and his trike. He is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and sisters; a son, Allan Tilley; a granddaughter, Beth Goins; and Carol Tilley, the mother of his children. He is survived by his son, Todd (Robin) Tilley; two daughters, Penny (Ricky) Goins and Camilla (Robert) Joyce; five grandchildren, Heather Simmons, Bucky Tilley, Shaylee Tilley, Candace Hash and Mitchell Poole; in addition to four great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful nurses and staff at Central Continuing Care for their love and care for him-he truly enjoyed his years there. They also want to express their gratitude to Hospice for their care over the last several days. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church with Reverend Rick Hughes and Reverend Rachel Brooks officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family. Online condolence may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.