Larry Earnest Tilley, 86, of Elkin, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. Born in Wilkes County on January 20, 1939, he was the son of Clyde Wilson Tilley and Ruby Hemric Tilley.
Larry was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and served his country in the National Guard. He owned and operated TA Motors.
He found joy in fishing, maintaining his yard, mowing the lawn, and spending quality time with his family. Larry especially loved attending ball games to cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed having breakfast with friends at Bojangles.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia White Tilley, and his brother Doug Tilley.
He is survived by his son Michael Tilley and wife Heather of Jonesville; daughter Robin Parsons and husband Charlie of Elkin; brother Harold Tilley of Yadkinville; grandchildren Cody Andrews and wife Cristine, Alan Parsons and wife Allie, Hanna Holder and husband Chase, Allie Okruszko and husband Karol, Zachary Tilley, and Elijah Tilley; and great-grandchildren Chloe Andrews, Caiden Andrews, Hallie Holder, Henryk Okruszko, and Oliver Parsons.
A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Crestwood Memorial Gardens, officiated by Rev. Steve Kramm. Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Surry County Animal Shelter, located at 172 County Home Road, Dobson, NC 27017, or the Surry Humane Society, located at 230 Fredick St., Mt. Airy, NC 27030.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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