Sonny Wayne Tilley passed away the evening of February 15, 2024 after an unexpected illness.
Sonny was a man of solitude, but he loved the outdoors more than just about anyone. He was happiest when on his tractor, lawnmower, four-wheeler, or anything else with wheels that allowed him to take in the sunshine and fresh air. He was excited and prideful of his garden each year. Mainly because he looked forward to sharing the crops with neighbors and friends. If something didn’t produce, he was beyond disappointed because that meant that he couldn’t share.
Although he didn’t talk about it, he was a proud marine (served in Vietnam) and he was proud of his Cherokee lineage. Both were very important to him. He also served on the Madison Police force for a short time. Most of his working years were with the phone company as there were fewer in the area that didn’t have their phones installed by him than not.
Sonny was rarely, if never, seen out and about without his cowboy hat and boots. They were a part of his identity. And he wasn’t satisfied if he didn’t make you laugh. He felt life was too short to be serious more often than not.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Sadie Tilley, son Brian Wayne Tilley, and daughter Lori Ann Hopper. Sisters Betty Cox, Patsy Smith, and Judy McCandless.
Sonny cherished his family and leaves behind his daughter Lynette Easter (Wesley), son Chris Tilley (Margaret), and son Steve Tilley – all of Madison. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindsay Easter, Will Easter, Brandy Ragland (Phillip), and Brooke Tilley. Sonny also had immense pride for his great-grandchildren, Liam Silcott, David Webster, Ella Ragland, and Sadie Ragland. Sonny is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Sonny will also be terribly missed by his surviving siblings. Brothers Bobby, Jimmy, Donnie, and Timmy. As well as his sisters, Janice and Mary. Sonny’s dear friend, Jennifer Joyce, will also miss him terribly.
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