Rev. W. Clyde Tilley

Rev. W. Clyde Tilley passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013 after a brief illness, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was born to James & Nellie Tilley on March 12, 1935 in Sweetwater, TN. He was educated at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, Carson-Newman College, University of Memphis, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. from the latter. He served as pastor and interim pastor of several churches in both Tennessee and Kentucky for over 50 years. He served as Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Union University in Jackson, TN for 23 years and taught at Lane College and Jackson State Community College as well as adjunct professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A prolific writer, he published hundreds of article, sermons, poems, and newspaper columns. Dr. Tilley preached more than a hundred revivals and taught numerous church-wide Bible conferences. He served on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity International from 1980 to 1991. In recent years he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and Interim Pastor at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Nancy Howard Tilley, wife of 57 years, passed away the following day after a long illness. Survivors include: Son, David Tilley of Maryville; Daughter, Cherilyn Kerchner & husband Todd of Pottstown, PA; Six Grandchildren, Spencer, Brian, Donna and Heather Tilley all of Madisonville, TN and Savannah and Benjamin Kerchner of Pottstown, PA; Brother, Paul Tilley & wife Ann of Athens, TN; Sister, Mary Ruth McGinnis & husband Paul of Austell, GA; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law, Patsy & Gene Herrell of Monroe, NC, Linda & Jimmy Heiskell of Kingston, TN, Dean & Bill Denton of Maryville, and Jean & Irad Lee of Madisonville, TN; many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Friday, April 12, 2013 from 5:00 until 7:30 PM in Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service for both Clyde and Nancy will follow at 7:30 PM with Dr. Bob Lynch officiating and eulogy by Dr. Calvin Metcalf. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: The Fuller Center for Housing, PO Box 523, Americus, GA 31709 or Carson-Newman College, 1646 S. Russell Ave., Jefferson City, TN 37760. Family and friends will assemble at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Haven Hill Memorial Cemetery in Madisonville for the interment. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rev. W. Clyde Tilley please visit our Sympathy Store.