Bradley David Tilley
1956 - 2025
On the evening of July 5, 2025, the spirit of Bradley Tilley left his body signaling the end of his 2 1/2 year battle with ALS. He was surrounded by family, friends and his beloved dogs at his home in Bermuda Village, NC. Prior to moving back to NC, he and his wife, Kathy, lived for 20 years on the Virginia coast in Merry Point. Brad grew up in Mount Airy, NC. He lived and worked in Elkhart, IN prior to moving to the VA coast.
Brad leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Kathy Sheets Tilley and her daughter Ericka Campbell. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Preston Tilley (Helen), mother, Mary Good Tilley Belton (James) and brother Steve Tilley. He is survived by his sister, Lynn Tilley Carter (Will) of Nashville; sister Sandy Tilley Wagoner (Rick) of Booneville; sister-in-law Jennifer Sheets Jones (Mike)of Millers Creek; sister-in-law Sandy Brown Tilley of Durham; and Aunt June Tilley of Pinnacle.
Brad’s nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children were the light of his life. They are Jacob Wagoner (Stella) of Booneville; Alex Tilley (Rachel) c. Harden and Josh of Durham; MaryBeth Mimms (Byron) c. Grayson and Gavin of Matthews; Meghan Tilley of Durham; Devin Tilley Kemmy (Tyler) of Gastonia; Eva Carter of Knoxville and Winston Carter of Nashville. Special thanks to his “brother from another mother” Jim Caudle and wife Myrna. Our love and gratitude to Stacy, Angela and Lynn and Toto.
Brad worked hard beginning with running errands for his uncle’s drug store and cleaning cages for his other uncle’s veterinary practice. At age 16 he was driving a school bus route morning and night. He put himself through college finishing at Mars Hill in NC. Then he found his true calling in sales working as a regional sales rep, then regional sales manager and eventually national sales manager. For his last twenty years he ran a successful rep agency for cabinetry manufacturers. Saturdays were reserved for him and Toto, his friend and helper, to take care of the grounds at home and wash the cars. He sure liked a clean vehicle.
Brad also played hard, firmly adhering to the old adage of the one with the most toys wins. He was fortunate to have an extensive bucket list which was almost totally checked off. He motorcycled extensively hitting most states more than once; flew his own airplane and jumped out of others, sailed, skied and boated; pulled his airstream from Maine to Alaska; and truly loved driving his tractor and lawnmower.
Brad was known for his bright smile and happy laugh. He also had a very brilliant, inquisitive mind always thinking and questioning. He treated the ALS as a challenge researching constantly for adaptive aids and equipment to keep him at his most independent level. His upbeat attitude seldom waived. He was always up for the next adventure.
There will be a celebration of life gathering at his home on Hollybrook Drive, Bermuda Run, NC on Sunday July 27th from two until four in the afternoon. All friends, family and neighbors are welcome. A private burial is planned for an evening later this fall.
Brad was a pilot and he loved his animals. Please visit the Pilots N Paws website should you choose to make a memorial donation in Brad’s name.