Ray Milton Tilley, 65, of Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020, from Vascular Dementia, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 25, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor George Gau of Turning Point Church. Burial will follow the service at Autumn Oaks Cemetery in Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Claybar Funeral Home, in Orange.

Born in Kirbyville, Texas to parents, Robert and Bobbie Tilley, on May 31, 1955, he was the oldest of five children, often acting as a parent, his brothers and sisters took it all in stride. As his disease progressed and storms came, his family and neighbors spend countless hours repairing his home.

He was a loving and giving soul, awesome husband, dad and teacher with an impeccable work ethic, retiring from RCI as a Project Manager.

Ray loved raising his sons. They were always reminded to “Talk to the Man Above,” and “watch your top knot.” He enjoyed watching them play sports, fishing, hunting, and playing golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jimmy Don Tilley; and mother-in-law, Joyce Kelley.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Melanie; sons, Dustin and wife Melissa of Orange and Derek and wife Meagan also of Orange; brother, Jerry and wife Lynda of Mauriceville; sister, Penny French of Orange; brother, Wendell and wife Stacy of Orange; granddaughter, Peyton; grandsons, Owen, Brody, and Beckham, arriving in October; brother-in-law, Jody Kelley and Diane Brown of Orange; sister-in-law, Leslie Williams and husband Ray of Alvin, Texas; father-in-law, Joe Kelley, Sr. and Johnette; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

To Matt Daigle and Pat Owens of Best Hospice, words alone cannot express our love and gratitude for your care and kindness shown to Ray over the past year. Matt’s golf stories always brought a smile to his face. He loved you both dearly. Caretakers, Brandye, Rachelle, Theresa and Cassie, thank you for your compassion toward our loved one.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dustin Tilley, Derek Tilley, Jerry Tilley, Wendell Tilley, Lloyd James, Thad Champagne, James Rhame, and Rusty Bumstead. Honorary pallbearers are Jody Kelley, Ray Williams, Jerry Morgan, Willie Chapman, J.E. Powell, Bobby Baker, and Donny Goss.