William Don Tilley

William Donald 'Don' Tilley

STATESVILLE - William Donald "Don" Tilley, of Statesville died Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, while doing what he enjoyed the most ... riding his Harley, with the one he loved the most, his wife Robinette.

He was born Jan. 19, 1936, in the home of his parents, William Marion Tilley and Leona Ruth Perry Tilley, who preceded him in death.

Being born to a humble beginning never stopped Don from seeing a life to live and live it to the fullest.

Faithful-Honest-Charitable-Friendly-Dedicated with a huge heart toward any who were less fortunate, Don lived his life full out!

He married the love of his life Robinette Clark Tilley on July 23, 1961, who survives him, along with their three children, Donna Tilley, Denise LeVan (Terry), Derek Tilley; and five grandchildren, Cortney Toothaker (Michael), Kyle Pierce, Chase LeVan, Chance LeVan, and Chandler LeVan; and one great-grandchild due in September (Cortney's child).

Don knew early on that his love of speed, cars, motorcycles, racing, and engineering would always be a part of his life and that it was! In 1972 Don and Robinette opened up Tilley Harley Davidson and little did he know the ripple effect that he would have in the life of so many. Don knew the many facets of the industry and how they could affect other people. Whether he was speaking to a first-time rider or a seasoned motorcycle enthusiast, Don could truly relate to any and all.

Don was always the visionary for the business. He and Robinette worked so closely to keep Tilley Harley Davidson in the forefront of the community, and in 1999 they expanded to Salisbury where their second dealership is located.

Don Tilley was truly a legend in the eyes of so many. So many people confidently called him friend. Don's ability to share his many gifts and talents is what makes him a true legend.

Don used his great accomplishments to affect the lives of others. He had great passion for charity: proudly co-founding the Kyle Petty charity ride across America, which he had participated in for the last 20 years; supporting Victory Junction Gang Camp (which helps children with chronic medical conditions); Rolling Thunder (a veteran support nonprofit group); Barium Springs Home for Children; Fallen Firefighters; Tribute to the Troops; and the schools anti-drug program D.A.R.E. These are just a few on the list of many.

Don faithfully attended his church, Saint Philips The Apostle Catholic Church along with his family. Don was always in attendance with his fellow classmates of Statesville High School '54 as they would gather for a meal once a month.

Don and Robinette were honored last week in Nashville, Tenn., at the International Harley Davidson Summer Dealer meeting, where they received the prestigious Gold Bar and Shield Award which was given by Harley Davidson Motor Company. This award is one among so many the family has been honored with. Whether it was a small local gathering or a large event, Don would treat any gathering with the same enthusiasm that was so contagious to all who were around.

The heritage this man Don Tilley leaves behind will be cherished by his family and friends for many generations to come.

Don is also survived by his sister, Rachel Kale (Dan); a brother, Richard Tilley; nine nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Janie Tilley, Janice Beeson (Joe), Raymond Tilley (Diane), and Arnold Tilley (Gail).

Service and Memorial Ride: A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Statesville High School Stadium starting at 6:30 p.m. A Memorial ride will leave from Tilley Harley Davidson at 5 p.m. Sunday to ride from the Dealership, on to Gardner Bagnal Boulevard, on to North Center Street, then to the Statesville High School Stadium.

Mass: On Monday Sept. 8 at 11 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Philip The Apostle Catholic Church for family and close friends. Following the service there will be a grave side service at Iredell Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. A police escort will allow riders to assemble and ride from the church to the burial site.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victory Junction Gang Camp, in honor of Don Tilley.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the needs of the Tilley family.