Richard E. Tilley

Richard (Dick) Tilley passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018, at Covenant Medical Center Harrison, in Saginaw. He was born on March 21, 1945, in Bay City, to Dorothy Willy and Eugene Tilley, who preceded him in passing. He was also preceded by his brother, Gene.
He leaves behind Rita, his wife of 50 years, and daughter, Kimberly Strube. He also leaves behind his brother, Ron (Sue) Tilley, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, including: Vonnie Taylor; Kathleen and David Bremer; Ken Johnson and companion Sandy; Gerald Johnson and companion Angie; and David and Jan Johnson. Also, left to his memory are several nieces and nephews.
In addition to being blessed with a loving family, Dick was treasured and supported by the most wonderful group of friends. His hunting group was a real caring brotherhood. His family is so grateful to: Bob Gorney; Mike, Rick and J.R. Rybak; Leonard Bobick and Greg Bobick; Jim English and sons, Brad and Chad; and to Kevin Stachowiak for all the years of joy you gave Dick at the cottage up north.
A very special friendship to Dick was with fellow U. S. Marine, Jim Kometh, who fought bravely with him in the Vietnam War. Over the years, they shared their stories and Jim gave Dick so much comfort and support. He also cherished his friendship with fellow Marine Tom Howard. Semper Fi, Jim and Tom.
Another appreciated group of friends were Joe Bogart and Jim Davison who worked with Dick at Consumers Energy. He always enjoyed the continued relationship after retirement and all the lunches together.
And, there was the Dick's Marathon Fast Pitch Softball Team - a group of fellows from St. John Amelith who played together for years. Those are treasured memories and friendships, too.
Dick was part of the Promise Keepers Men's Ministry and shared those gatherings with his friend, Bob. Those were special times to him.
The Tilley family would like to thank the staff at Covenant Medical Center Harrison for their unbelievable kindness. They helped ease his suffering and our pain of his passing. They gave him a veterans' send off with a special ceremony called "Code Honor." Staff and patients on the floor stood along the walls as security wheeled him down the hall in a casket draped by the United States flag while "Taps" played. That simple gesture meant more than words could ever explain.
Per Dick's wishes cremation has taken place. The memorial service will take place on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. at 11:30 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Dennis W. Matyas with military honors conducted under the auspices of the Bay County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Because God gives us comfort and support in our sorrow through good friends and family, the family requests that no flowers or contributions be accepted. Instead, just stop by to say "hello" or do a random act of kindness in Dick's name.
Dick's family is looking forward to being together, again, on resurrection morning.
For online condolences www.GephartFuneralHome.com