Brent Tilley

Brent Tilley, 74, passed away on July 27, 2025—one year to the day after losing his beloved wife, Brenda Wright Tilley. They were married for 54 years, and while our hearts are broken, there is comfort in knowing they are together again. Born on August 8, 1950, Brent was the son of Boyd Cecil Tilley and Lucille Davis Tilley. He spent most of his life doing what he loved—working in the tobacco fields of North Carolina and building a career with Brown and Williamson. He retired at 51 but continued working in the tobacco industry. Tobacco wasn’t just his job—it was a way of life, and through it, he made some of his closest lifelong friends. His stories, his work ethic, and the life he lived were rooted in loyalty, grit, and love. Brent passed at home, just where he wanted to be, surrounded by family, after a very short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a proud dad to his two children, Beth Tilley Green, Pinnacle, NC and Brad Tilley (Mike Marcantano), Pffaftown. He was a devoted “Popi” to his grandchildren, Addison and Sawyer Green. Nothing lit up his world more than those two. Brent had a gift for growing things—his yard was always picture-perfect, thanks to his trusty Dixie Chopper and his green thumb. He loved old cars, always asked about the weather, and could talk for hours about the stock market. He also shared a special bond with his dog Marley, who rarely left his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Wright Tilley; his parents, Boyd and Lucille Tilley; and his sister, Brenda Tilley Edwards (John). He is survived by his children and grandchildren, his brother Eddie Tilley (Lois), and his sister Vickie Tilley Marsh (Tommy), along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever carry his memory close. Brent was steady, strong, and full of quiet wisdom. He didn’t need the spotlight—he simply showed up, worked hard, and loved his people well. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the laughs he shared, and the family he treasured. A celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, plant something green, take a ride in a classic car, check the weather for no reason at all, or watch the market tick by. That’s how Brent would want to be remembered.