Stephenson-Dearman
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR 71657
   
          Phone: (870) 367-2451
          Fax: (870) 367-5840
Search Obituaries 
Welcome

I am a Veteran.Harold E. Tilley
April 5, 1932 - September 17, 2018

Harold "Coach' Tilley of Monticello, AR peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by family at the age of 86. Harold was born on April 5th, 1932, in a boxcar at the Southern Camp in Warren, AR to Sherril E. and Maybelle Hickman Tilley. In January of 1944 he and his family moved to Little Rock, AR. It was there that he developed a love for football, basketball, baseball and softball. He graduated from Little Rock High School (Central) in 1950 after playing football for three seasons for Coach Wilson Matthews. He was proud to be a "Wilson Tiger". Harold was then called to active duty by the U.S. Navy. After graduating from the Great Lakes Navy Training Center in Chicago, IL, he spent the remainder of his two-year career on the minesweeper, U.S.S. Siskin. At the end of the Korean War, he entered Henderson State Teachers College in 1953. There he continued his love for sports, lettering in football, basketball and track and it was during this time he made his plans to become a coach.

Also, while at Henderson, he met Carolyn Castleberry, his wife of 63 years. Together they raised 4 children, Donna, Terri, Traci and Scott. Harold's athletic and coaching achievements were many. He was proud to have been a part of five high school football State Championships, two State Runner ups, two high school basketball State Championships and one college AIC Football Championship. In 1968 he was named Texas High School Basketball Coach of the year, 1977 Arkansas High School Football Coach of the year, 1979 Arkansas Inter-Collegiate Football Coach of the Year and 1979 NAIA District Football Coach of the year. Always a Henderson Reddie at heart, he was proudly inducted into the Henderson Hall of Honor in 2012. After retirement, he enjoyed continued relationships with his players and coaches. He believed if you ever played for him, you will forever be a part of his life. Harold was an avid fisherman, practical joker and story teller, who loved laughter and life. He was of the Methodist faith and most mornings, he could be found swapping stories with the Methodist Church coffee group enjoying all the men's company and the occasional ribbings that they liked to do with one another.

Harold is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children Donna and Dale Johnson of White Hall, AR, Terri and Keith Montgomery, Traci and Michael Bone, Scott and Vicki Tilley all of Monticello; ten grandchildren, Eddie Gates, Andy Johnson, Eric Johnson, Kelley Jo Eckhart, Byron Montgomery, Jacob Bone, Jesse Bone, Logan Bone, John Ryan Tilley, Jordan Tilley; ten great-grandchildren and his loving dog, Butch. He was preceded in death by his father, S.E. Tilley, mother, Maybelle Tilley, sister, Annette McGlothin and great grand-daughter, Schuyler Gates.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Hospice and home health. Memorials can be made to Monticello Second Chance Fur Dogs, PO Box 322 Monticello, AR 71657 or Arkansas Hospice.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow with Military Honors at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery in Alexander, AR at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be held on hour prior to service time. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.


Join Us On Facebook ©2024 Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home   Secure Administration Area | Privacy Policy | Site by Gemini Graphics Inc. & L Selby