John Ed
win “Johnny” Tilley, 65, of Howe, Texas died peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2015 surrounded by his family at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM, Friday, July 24 at First Baptist Church in Tom Bean, Texas with a potluck supper to follow. Family visitation will be held immediately preceding the service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Tom Bean Food Pantry, PO Box 679, Tom Bean, TX 75489 where Johnny was a volunteer.
Johnny was born April 19, 1950 in Bowie, Texas to John Franklin Tilley and Patsy Ruth Tilley. He was a 1969 graduate of Blue Ridge High School. He married Debra Jean Ruffin on August 30, 1975 in Howe, and they were preparing to celebrate their 40th anniversary with a long-anticipated Alaskan cruise. A physical man, Johnny loved to work with his hands, building, fixing, tinkering. He enjoyed collecting rare coins and bills, playing dominoes and card games, and cracking jokes. Generous to a fault, he quietly shared all he had and loved spoiling his children and grandchildren.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, John Michael Tilley and Kimberly L. Tilley; his grandchildren, John Reagan Tilley, James M. Tilley, Henry B. Tilley and Julia K. Tilley; brother, Jerry R. Tilley; many nieces and nephews; and a host of loving relatives and friends. His son Jeremy W. Tilley precedes him in death.