Fuquay-Varina – Jimmy Lee Tilley, 76, died Friday, October 23, 2009.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Wells Tilley; children Kim Rogers (Billy), Cindy Alexander and Jim Tilley (Jennifer White); grandchildren Leigh Ann Rogers, Billie Jean Rogers, Ashlee Ricks, Rebecca Rogers, Andrew Alexander and Jessica Tilley; sisters Emilie Tilley and Nancy T. Reams (Jack); step-children Debbie A. Jones (Johnny) and Sarah A. Ogburn (Tandy); step-grandchildren Wendy J. Nash (Barry), Angela J. Moss (Steven), Mandy O. Shawver (Matt), Sim Ogburn and Amy Ogburn; step-great grandchildren Cooper Nash and Haleigh Moss.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester Ernest and Elizabeth Dale Tilley; his first wife, Ann Langdon; and brother, Lester Dale Tilley.

Jimmy grew up in Fuquay-Varina where he spent most of his life and graduated from Fuquay High School in 1951. He served honorably in the US Army during the Korean War.

Jimmy was a lifelong faithful member of the Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving as an usher. Some of Jimmy’s favorite past times were playing golf with his golf buddies and spending time with his special friends. He was well known in the Flue-Cured, Burley, and Maryland tobacco markets in addition to owning and operating the Gold Leaf, Carolina Gold Leaf, and Roberts Warehouse.

At the time of his death, Jimmy was the owner of Fuquay Flea Market, which he opened in 1980. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and loyal friend.

He married Ann Langdon in 1957 and spent 36 wonderful years with her until her death in 1993. He married Betty Abernathy in 1994 and they enjoyed life together as well as blending their two families through love.

Jimmy’s strength and strong will during his years of illness were an inspiration to everyone around him. The courage he showed will always live in his family’s hearts.

A service celebrating Jimmy’s life was held at Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church, 100 Judd Parkway, S.E., Fuquay-Varina on Monday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina. Family received friends on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Thomas Funeral Home, 401 N. Ennis Street, Fuquay-Varina and at other times at their home. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made in memory of Jimmy to American Lung Association, 3801 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 190, Raleigh NC 27607.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.