Steve Mensing, Editor
♦ It was “Thunder from the Heavens” as long processions of roaring Harleys poured into Statesville, N.C. for Sunday’s Don Tilley Memorial Service. Harleys, as far as the eye could see, arrived from Salisbury, Statesville, Charlotte and from all across North Carolina. They arrived from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia too.
Bikers motored from Tilley’s Salisbury agency and spread all along U.S. 70 where they stopped at Tilley’s Harley agency in Statesville. Motor squads of Sheriff’s Departments from Iredell County, Davidson County, Cabarrus County and the Mooresville Police created an escort for the growing legion of North Carolina bikers headed to memorial. The roar of Harley engines carried for miles.
A crowd of well-wishers, estimated to be in the vicinity of 5,000 bikers and including NASCAR’s Kyle Petty and Donnie Allison, packed the stands of Statesville High School for the 6:30 P.M. memorial. Many were gathered outside the stadium as well to bid farewell to their friend Don Tilley. Row after row of motorcycles were parked in the lots and areas surrounding the stadium.
Statesville streets were lined both sides with cheering, flag-waving onlookers as an endless cortege of motorcycles drove parade-like through the city. It was the largest single massing of motorcycles I’ve witnessed. In the stands fellow riders enjoyed comradeship, shared good feelings,and swapped stories about Don Tilley and going on rides with the Harley icon.
During the Memorial, Kyle Petty shared his very personal story of his friendship with Don Tilley. Petty said: “Don Tilley was my hero. Growing up, I wanted to be just like him.”
Overhead the sky was a brilliant Carolina blue. This memory will have staying power with many who attended.
“Don was a humble genuine guy–down to Earth,” said Roy Graber, Danville, Virginia. “Never put on airs. Had friends everywhere.”
“He’d give a helping hand to anybody,” said Beryl Melton, Bristol, Tennessee. “If a fellow was down on his luck–he’d find a way to help. His Victory Junction Camp helped a lot of kids.”
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 had strong ties to the auto racing community too. In the late 50’s Don Tilley raced both stock cars and motorcycles. Tilley co-founded the Kyle Petty charity “Ride across America” and took part in it for the last two decades.
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
Videos of Ride into Statesville. 30 minutes of downtown Statesville thunder:
Videos of the Salisbury leg of the Don Tilley Memorial Service held Sunday evening at Statesville High School Stadium in Statesville, N.C.
Don Tilley’s Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Phillip Apostle Church in Statesville, N.C. It is for family and friends only. Please join us after the service to ride on the procession from the Church to the Grave site at Iredell Memorial Gardens.
This story will be updated as more event photos and videos arrive.
