Lathan Gilbert "Bert" Tilley, born on August 21, 1943, in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina, passed away in his home August 19, 2024 surrounded by his family.

He was the beloved son of Loy G Tilley and Lois G Carey and a loving husband to Iris C Tilley for 61 years. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Lathan Duane Tilley (spouse Stephanie Gentry Tilley) and Rhonda Tilley Rath (spouse Brian Rath).

Bert was a proud grandparent to five grandchildren; Amanda Matherly (Jason), Bailey Rath, Daniel Rath, Abbie Rath, Jed Tilley and two great grandchildren; Kinsley and Kayden Matherly. He attended Aycock High School where he graduated in 1961 and later went on to work at Public Gas Company (PSNC) until his retirement in 2000.

Bert was known as the man that could fix anything with whatever he could get his hands on, which was usually some form of gas pipe. He was a lifelong devoted member of Walnut Grove UMC where he will be remembered for his pivotal role in the annual harvest festival Brunswick stew. He took great pride in serving his church with his talents of fixing anything by creating a way to cook 2,000 quarts of Brunswick stew in cast iron pots.