Rev. Stephen Gray Tilley

Reverend Stephen Gray Tilley, 82, Husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather entered into the presence of His Sovereign Lord, whom he preached about and loved, on August 30, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife and his three daughters. He was the pastor/teacher of Parkland Church and has been for the last 50 years. He loved the Lord and served Him faithfully until the end. He loved to preach the Word of God and had a true shepherd’s heart. He preached his last sermon on August 4th. 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Hubert Samuel Tilley Sr. and Wanna Faye Tilley, his brother, Hubert Samuel Tilley Jr. and sister Phylis Anne Tilley. 

Surviving is his wife of 62 years that he loved and adored with all his heart, Donna Townsend Tilley, his three daughters Stephanie Gilley (Gray), Julie Essick (Jon), and Suzanne Tilley; 7 grandchildren Lauren Locklear (Zack), Lindsey Forrest (Joe), Chelsee Morgan (Elijah), Caitlin Mabe (Jeff), Matthew Bibb (Marisa), Brandon Easter (McKenzie), Cameron Easter (Kaylyn) and 10 great-grandchildren. He also has one surviving brother Phillip W. Tilley Sr. (June). 

He spent his entire life in Forsyth County. He graduated from Southwest High School and also attended Piedmont Bible College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a ThB (Bachelor of Theology). He was also a scholar of the Greek language. He loved to spend time with his family. He loved to play golf and watch his grandsons play golf. But most of all he loved the Lord. He loved being a preacher of God’s Word and teaching his church family. He loved his church people. 

We know that he fought the good fight, he has kept the faith and our Lord has said “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” The verse that sums his life is Acts 20:27 - “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”

A private graveside service will be held for the family. Memorials may be made to Parkland Church, 2904 Swing Court, Winston-Salem,NC 27127. 

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family. 

This obituary was lovingly written by the family of Rev. Stephen Tilley.