More detail on this person: BRISTOL HERALD
COURIER JAN. 6, 2002
TILLY, ROBERT C. "BOB" Lt. Col. BLUFF CITY --
Lt. Col. Robert C. "Bob" Tilly, U.S.M.C. retired,
71, of Walnut Lane, took his last flight to the
arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Sunday,
Jan. 6, 2002, at 12:20 p.m. He was born in
Bristol, Tenn., July 18, 1930, to the late Arthur
Robert Tilly and Lonnie East Tilly, and was a
member of Rockhold United Methodist Church. Bob
had a distinguished career as an aviator in the
U.S. Marine Corps, serving as White House pilot
for presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy. He was a
pioneer in the field of helicopter aviation,
serving as test pilot for Bell Helicopter in the
development of the Huey line of helicopters, which
he flew extensively during his three 18-month
tours of combat duty in Vietnam. During his
25-year career, Bob earned numerous medals and
commendations including the Legion of Merit with
Combat Valor and the Purple Heart. He is survived
by his loving wife, Joyce Tilly of Bluff City;
daughter, Mary Tilly of High Point, NC; two sons
and daughters-in-law, Robert Mark and Kathy Tilly
of Charlotte, NC, and David Michael and Debbie
Tilly of Winchester, Va.; and a sister, Mary Ward
of Melbourne, Fla. Bob leaves behind six
grandchildren, Joshua and Zachary Tilly of Reston,
Va., Robert Edward, Ashley and Justin Tilly of
Purcellville, Va., and Jacob Tilly of Winchester;
as well as many friends all over America. His
sense of humor, generous spirit and willingness to
volunteer will be missed by all who knew him. He
was a man who loved God, a patriot who loved his
country, a husband, father and grandfather who
loved his family and was a good shot. Services
will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in
the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy
Hensley and Rev. Gene Deaton officiating. Military
honors will be performed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Agett, Rick
Lindsey, Walt Pierson, Joshua and Zachary Tilly
and Herb Riley. The family will receive friends
from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Weaver
Funeral Home or any time at the home of Sue
Thomas, 319 Walnut Lane, Bluff City, TN. In lieu
of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockhold
Methodist Church, 4157 Rockhold Road, Bluff City,
TN 37618. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the
arrangements. BRISTOL HERALD COURIER JAN.
8, 2002
TILLY, ROBERT C. "BOB" Lt. Col. BLUFF CITY --
Services Lt. Col. Robert C. "Bob" Tilly will be
held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in Weaver
Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Hensley and
Rev. Gene Deaton officiating. Military honors will
be performed by the U.S. Marine Corps. Honorary
pallbearers will be Chip Agett, Rick Lindsey, Walt
Pierson, Joshua and Zachary Tilly and Herb Riley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
Rockhold Methodist Church, 4157 Rockhold Road,
Bluff City, TN 37618. Lt. Col. Tilly, USMC
retired, 71, of Walnut Lane, took his last flight
to the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at 12:20 p.m. Weaver
Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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