Ricky Graham "Rick" Tilley, Jr.

Rick (Ricky) Graham Tilley Jr., took his final breath on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in his home as his wife Lauren Tilley held his hand and told his sister Wendy Tilley and dear friend Emily the stories of their first dates. Rick fought a difficult and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and pushed through until his final days. His strength should be an inspiration to us all. During his last week with us he was surrounded by his wife, his dear friends, his children and his family; we are comforted knowing that he was able to spend that precious time with the most important people in his life who came to shower him with love. Rick was loved by so many. We can’t put into words how much we appreciate the support we’ve been shown during the past few months from so many friends, family, and The Bass Fishing Community, who all rallied around him in a way that we cannot describe. To everyone who stepped up to help in any way, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.

Rick was a devoted husband and loved his wife fiercely. Their love story was truly one for the books. There was no better husband than Ricky. He was a doting father to his children, Cameron, Brody and Cora; and loved his nephews dearly. His relationship with his mother Peggy, his father Ricky Sr. and his sister (aka his best friend and confidant) Wendy was a bond that could never be broken. His love for his family was absolutely endless.

Second to his family, was his love of fishing and being on the water with his friends, his dad, and his son. Rick was well known in the Smith Mountain Lake community, up and down the east coast and as far as Table Rock Lake as an avid (and EXCELLENT) Bass Fisherman. If anyone knew him, they knew about his intense love of fishing. As a professional angler, Rick was a “Hammer” on the water, and was so proud to share his knowledge, passion and joy of fishing with everyone he knew. Rick was one of the founding members of SML Bassmasters and also ran Tuesday night events. What started as a hobby became a passion and he had a successful, highly decorated fishing career. Friendships forged from fishing ran strong until the end. We know he’s in heaven enjoying tight lines and big bites.

His third passion was his construction company Pro Kitchens & Bath’s. Rick was a man who could build anything he put his mind to; he took so much pride in his craft and the work his crew did. He was so grateful to his business partners and his entire team.

Rick is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Tilley, and Willie & Louise Clayton; and his mother-in-law, Debbie Rifendifer. Rick is survived by his eternally loving wife, Lauren Tilley; his parents, Peggy and Ricky Tilley Sr.; father-in-law, Allen Rifendifer; father-in-law, Darryl Foutz; and mother-in-law, Judy Foutz; his grandmother, Sue Tilley; his sister, Wendy Tilley; sister-in-law, Susan Foutz (James); his children, Cameron Tilley (Mia), Brody Tilley and Cora Shell; his nephews, Christian Tilley, Blake Parcel, Kyle Foutz, Julian Haralson and Thaddeus Haralson; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members.

Rick was a friend to many and has touched countless lives. It just isn’t enough to say that he will be missed. This isn’t goodbye Ricky, it’s “see you on the water another day”.

Rick’s celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at One Church, 4108 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. Refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall. If you would like to bring a dish, feel free to drop it off prior to the service.

If you have a picture that you would like his wife to post in his memorial reel, please send it to her when you can. Also, if you would like to speak at Rick’s service, please let his wife know.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.