RFP Staff
♦ Memorial Ride and Service in Honor of Don Tilley on Sunday September 7th when many Harley Riders will pay tribute to our beloved Don Tilley. Riders from across North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina will travel to Statesville. Family and friends will host a “Memorial Ride and Service in Honor of Don Tilley” who died in a motorcycle accident on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Buncombe County when his Harley lost control in a curve. His wife Robinette survived the crash and has undergone 4 surgeries since. She sustained serious injuries, but her health appears to be improving and she remains in an Asheville hospital.
Those desiring to take part in the Memorial Ride will gather at the Tilley Harley-Davidson agency in Salisbury and will go “kick stands up” at 3:30 p.m. Those meeting at the Tilley Harley-Davidson will go “kick stands up” at 5 p.m. Riders will be joined by a police escort from the stores to Statesville High School Stadium for the Memorial Service to be held at 6:30 p.m.
Don and Robinette Tilley were part of a group Harley-Davidson Association ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway Friday evening in Buncombe County when their Harley lost control in a curve. Don Tilley, 78, was pronounced dead on the scene and Robinette was transported to Asheville for emergency treatment.
Don and Robinette Tilley opened their first Harley-Davidson agency in 1972 in Statesville, N.C. The agency grew in size over the years and expanded in 1999 to a satellite agency in Salisbury, N.C. The couple became well known for sponsoring charity events to assist people in need. Most famous was their Victory Junction Gang Camp which helps provide camping experiences for kids with serious illnesses.
Tilley Harley-Davidson wrote on their Facebook site: “The outpouring of love and support being given to the family of Don Tilley has been phenomenal and overwhelming. They are so grateful for all of the thoughts and prayers as they go through this very difficult time.”
The Tilley Family requests those wishing to honor Don Tilley support a cause very close to his heart:
“In consideration of the family at this time they would like to ask in lieu of flowers to please make any donations to Victory Junction Gang Camp in memory of Don Tilley, as this was an organization that he truly had a love for. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers. Victory Junction: 4500 Adam’s Way, Randalman, NC 27317 or online at VictoryJunction.org
Funeral arrangements are handled by Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville, N.C.
