William Donald Tilley

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William Donald Tilley

May 13, 1947 - November 2, 2017

William Donald ''Bill'' Tilley ,70, of Little Rock, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Baptist Hospital. He was born on May 13, 1947 in Batesville, Arkansas to Roy W. and Audrey Tilley. He retired from Entergy in 2013.

He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Sanders) Tilley; two sons, Adam Avra, Nathanael (Betsy)Tilley; two daughters, Mary Beth Tilley, and Grace (Ben) Meadors; and three grandchildren, Jackson and Oakley Tilley and Peter Meadors; brother, Roy L. Tilley and three sisters, Linda Strickland, Susie Nix, and Judy Swafford.


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30 Condolence(s)
Susie Tilley Nix
Oklahoma City, OK
Liked
Saturday, November 18, 2017

I count it a privilege to be one of Bill's siblings. He was the eldest and certainly had the distinction of being the smartest of the five of us. Like our Grandpa, Bill smiled often and spoke softly. His wisdom and quick wit - along with the twinkle in his eyes - were treasured reflections of our Daddy. Bill was the last of us to become a father and a grandfather, and oh, how he loved being both! Carol, I will continue to lift you and the family in prayer. Bill would have been the first to proclaim that he was not a perfect man, but I have no doubt that Bill Tilley has been perfectly made whole by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bobbie Standridge
Sherwood, AR
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Thursday, November 9, 2017

Condolences to the family.

Bo Lea
Hot Springs, AR
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Tuesday, November 7, 2017

With a heavy heart I write these words. I could not believe it when I read of Bill's passing. Back in the early days of our careers with AP&L, we were both working in Little Rock. He became my best friend. Although time and circumstances moved us in different directions and our contacts were few that feeling of friendship never changed.
In those early years, Bill & I backpacked the Caney Creek Back Country, hiked the Winding Stairs on the Little Missouri River, floated the Ouachita and shared a canoe on the Buffalo on several trips led by John Heuston. There were so many great memories. You get to know the measure of a man during these one on one adventures. Bill was a "good" man with a gentle spirit and loving heart.
I was blessed to have had Bill and his Dad, Roy, in my life. His passing makes the memories and the friendship even more special.
Brenda and I have Bill's mom, Carol and all the family in our thoughts and prayers. Will see my friend Bill again one day.

Neal Jansonius
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Bill was a fantastic colleague at Entergy. I recall hallway conversations that would veer off into almost anything. Bill was wise, plus easy-going. Always a bonus if you were working on a project and learned that he was involved with it. Unexpectedly bumped into Bill while on a Florida vacation, and found he was there for the marriage of one of the kids. He was so, so happy. I feel honored to have known the man. Very sorry for the family’s loss.

Brad Jestice
Alexander, AR
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Monday, November 6, 2017

My condolences to your family. I worked with and knew Bill about 10 years before he retired. He had a trademark on that smile of his. We had a lot of conversations over the years and I can say many of them were about his family and his children. God bless you and be with you in your time of need.

Lee Noon Stokes
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, November 6, 2017

Sincerest condolences to the family.

Dorothy J. Duncan
Arkadelphia, AR
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Monday, November 6, 2017

There were many nice and friendly people that I met while working for Entergy, but Bill was one of the nicest and friendliest. I can't think of any instance when I saw him without that beautiful smile on his face. It would only grow larger (which hardly seems possible) when I would ask him about his family. He was so excited when he told me about retiring and how he was counting the days. I am so glad he was able to experience that milestone. His was a beautiful soul who made this world a better place just by being in it. Losing someone like Bill leaves such a void, but how wonderful it must be to have had him in your life. What memories you have that will always be with you. My deepest sympathies for your loss, but I have no doubt Bill is smiling at you from Heaven. His strength is now yours. May God give you comfort!

Cindy Pickett
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, November 6, 2017

Carol,

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Bill was such a nice man; always happy and friendly. I will pray the days and years to come will get easier on you and your kids.

Linda Kitchens
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, November 6, 2017

To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful soul who will truly be missed. I consider myself very fortunate I had the opportunity to work with him for many years. Rest in peace my friend.

Bennie Sue Payne
Maumelle, AR
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Monday, November 6, 2017

Carol: I am thinking of you and your family today and praying the Lord's comfort and His grace for each of you. It's been a long time since we were fresh out of college and starting our careers at Entergy. You and Bill were such a sweet couple. He had such a gentle and loving spirit. I was blessed to have known both of you.
Love, Bennie Sue

Linda Tilley Strickland
Hattieville, AR
Liked
Sunday, November 5, 2017

Carol, Adam, Nathaniel, Mary Beth, and Grace,

Thank you for so lovingly taking care of Bill (our “Billy Don”). I know how proud he is of all of you and what wonderful stories we heard of Jackson, Oakley, and Peter.
We will be praying for all of you every day. I will miss my brother every day for the rest of my life but I am thankful for the sweet memories.
Love you all.

Judy Tilley Swafford
London, AR
Liked
Sunday, November 5, 2017

Dear Carol ,Adam,Nate,Mary Beth and Grace,
My heart is so saddened by the passing of Bill.
I loved my big brother and one thing I know is that he loved you dearly.
Thank you for taking such loving care of Bill these difficult days. Bill was a sweet ,kind man with a gentle spirit. i am praying for you.
Love you,
Judy Tilley Swafford

Ernie and Jo Avra
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, November 5, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love, Jo and Ernie Avra

Mike & Kay Meadors
North Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

We will always remember Bill as a kind and gentle man with such a warm spirit that was evident right away. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn his loss.

Edward and Carol Smith
Shirley, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

Our prayers are with the family. It has been a long battle but he has won. His smile will be missed. We think back at the good times we enjoyed as we grew up as little toeheads. Great times. Kids don't grow up today and have the good times that we enjoyed. Thanks Bill for our memories at the old place and Grandpas. Edward Smith

Leon and Rosanna Smith
Heber Springs, AR
Liked
Sunday, November 5, 2017

What a Wonderful picture of Bill. He always had that smile that lit up a room and made people feel good. He was a kind, generous, loving, person who looked out for others. He truly made a difference in this old world. He was a beloved cousin and friend.
Leon and Rosanna Smith

Shirley Bell
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, November 5, 2017

My sincere condolences to family. U worked with Bill for about five years. He was a very nice person and reached out to his coworkers when he saw the need. I ran upon Bill in Walmart’s a few months ago, we both shared how much we enjoyed retirement. Great memories of Bill and his wisdom in the work play.

Harvey & Sharon Piazza
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

We are so sorry for your loss Carol. Bill was such a good, caring person. We have both known him for so many years. He will certainly be missed. We will keep you & your family in our prayers. -Harvey & Sharon Piazza

Whitney cato
New orleans, LA
Liked
Sunday, November 5, 2017

My prayers go out to your family in this tough time. Love yall

Debra Looper
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

I want to send you my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. I worked with Bill for over twenty years. He loved his family so much and was so proud of his children. He was a great mentor to me. He was a true gentleman and very caring person. My deepest sympathies to all the family.
Debra Looper

Doug and Kay Crowder
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

Our prayers are with the family and friends.God Bless You

Anthony & Pam Gross
Nlr, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

Grace I know it's hard to say goodbye to your father but thankfully you will see him again someday. What a happy reunion to look forward to. God bless you and your family. .

Grace Meadors
Maumelle, AR
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Sunday, November 5, 2017

I love you, Daddy! I'm so glad you got to spend some time with little Peter. 💖 I am grateful for the wonderful memories we have of you. I will miss you so much, daddy!

Lynn Van Patten
Searcy, AR
Liked
Saturday, November 4, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Tilley family. Prayers for peace and comfort at this time.

Judy Tilley Swafford
London, AR
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Saturday, November 4, 2017

Dearest Carol, Grace, Mary Beth, Nate & Adam,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Bill. My dear Brother loved you so very much. Thank you for taking such loving care of Bill. We are here for you at any time.
Love you,
Judy Tilley Swafford

John Avaltroni
Vilonia, AR
Liked
Saturday, November 4, 2017

Goodbye to one of the good guys. A true gentleman and role model. Rest easy my friend. John Avaltroni

Charles & Judy Keen
Searcy, AR
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Saturday, November 4, 2017

Our prayers are with the family.

Cathie Runnels
Cabot, AR
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Saturday, November 4, 2017

Carol and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was one of the kindest people I ever worked with. His pride and joy was his family. He never spoke a frustrated word about his family...he only expressed his excitement for each little success along the way and his hopes for your future. My heart is very sad now. I thought many times since my retirement that I needed to call Bill and see what he was up to, but life would get in the way and I never called...a painful regret to carry. I will miss knowing he's just down the road, but I know I'll see him in heaven. He was one of the good ones and he will be greatly missed. I pray for all of Bill's family that God will hold you tight through this loss.

Rebecca Holeman-Harris
Searcy, AR
Liked
Friday, November 3, 2017

My heart is very sad to learn of the passing of our Searcy High School , 1965 classmate . I am thinking fondly of Bill as a very good person ; he will be truly missed from our group. My prayers go out to his Mother, his wife , children and all family and friends. May God give you all comfort at this sad time.

Judy Lynn (Rollins) Fine
Hanceville, AL
Liked
Friday, November 3, 2017

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My heartfelt prayers for all of the family. Good childhood memories I will always hold dear of the Tilley family & Bill. God bless you all.