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William Lee Tillery ascended to his heavenly home on Monday, May 6, 2024, after a long bout with Alzheimer's.  William was born November 30, 1946, to the late Mr. William M. Tillery and Mrs. Millie J. Tillery in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, the second oldest of 9 children.

The siblings considered him as an assistant father, because when their father and mother were away, he was in charge along with their older sister Ruth.  These responsibilities help William in determining his path in life.

At a very young age, William and his family moved to Chesapeake, Virginia where he attended the neighborhood schools from elementary through high. William was a very responsible child; while attending school, he assisted his parents at their part time job.  He also got a job handing out flyers for the neighborhood grocery store. He was active in sports. He was the pitcher of the Crestwood Community Recreational Baseball Team.  He was highly known for throwing the fast ball and the curb drop pitches.

In 1970, William and Sally Ruth Vines were married in Portsmouth, Virginia.  There were no biological children born to this union.  Calvin and Clayton Vines, the children of Sally, were raised by William.  He taught and loved them as his own.

William enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Crestwood High School.  He served for four years and received an honorable discharge. During his enlistment, he was on tour for two (2) years in Germany. When he returned to civilian life, he worked for Virginia Power Company. However, the company did not suit him.  Therefore, he applied to the Chesapeake Police Department and became the fourth African American police officer that had ever worked on the force.  Later, he was promoted to detective.  After pursuing the rank of Sergeant, William's desire for advancement prompted him to apply to the Norfolk and Western Railroad as a Special Agent.  He was accepted for the position and he and his family moved to Roanoke, Virginia during his early tenure with the company.  He worked for the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company until his retirement.  In addition, he worked at an Insurance Company as an insurance agent.

William was a God-fearing man beginning at an early age.  He later joined the Mont Zion Community Church and served as a deacon.  After serving at Mont Zion Community Church, he joined Azalea Garden Church where he served as an Elder.  William received his bachelor's degree from, Tabernacle of Light, Bible Institute, on August 7, 2000. He was consecrated as an Evangelist, on August 17, 2003, from the National Association of Community Churches of America and Elsewhere, Inc. He received his Master of Ministry from Slidell Baptist Seminary, on January 25, 2005.

William is survived by his stepsons Calvin Vines (Monica) & Clayton Vines, Grandsons, Calvin Vines Jr, Miles Vines, Corey Vines, and Renaldo Vines. Eight Siblings, Donald M. Tillery (deceased), Ruth Barrett (deceased), Annie Ree Fuller (Clifford), Delia T. Holloway (Oliver-deceased), Johnny M. Tillery (Cassandra), Ophelia M. Nesbitt (Thomas-deceased), Cecelia Rush, Linda Waheed (Anthony-deceased) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

"I have fought a good fight.   I have finished the course. I have kept the faith."       2 Timothy 4:7