Ray Wilson Tillery, Sr., 73, joined his heavenly family on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

Ray was born in Danville, Virginia on February 7, 1946 to Harvey Wilson Tillery and Beulah West Tillery, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Kerrington Young Tillery; one son, Ray Wilson "Will" Tillery and his wife, Meredith; one daughter, Kerrington Suzanne Parker; grandson, Austin Reid Parker and granddaughter, Lena Parker; sister, Bonnie Tillery Nicely; and brother-in-law, Clarence J. Nicely. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and special, loyal friend, Chivas.

Ray graduated from Clifton Forge High School and continued to Bluefield College as an undergraduate. He held advanced degrees from the University of Virginia and Murray State University.

Ray was an educator and coach. He began teaching and coaching at Martinsville High School in 1969. He became Assistant Headmaster at Carlisle School and also coached the one and only regional winning football team for the Carlisle Chiefs. He began working for the Virginia Community College System. He worked at Patrick Henry Community College, Dabney Lancaster Community College and retired from J. Sargeant Community College as Dean of Students. Ray was always appreciative of his teachers, coaches and mentors and he strived to continue their positive influences to his own students.

Ray was active in the Clifton Forge High School Alumni Society and served on various community and church boards. He was a Methodist and was trained as a Stephen Minister to be a Christian caregiver to all denominations. He shared God's love with his care receivers and was with them throughout their journeys to their eternal peace.

Ray will always be remembered for his love of family, love of animals, laughter, friendliness and that no man should be a stranger.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville Chapel with Rev. Ron Mateer officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA, 132 Joseph Martin Hwy., Martinsville, VA 24112 or the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, 1 E. Main St., Martinsville, VA 24112. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville, Virginia, is serving the Tillery family.