THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 11, 1995 TAG: 9504110287
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Wiley Harrell ``Fats'' Tillery, 76, of the 1400 block of Covel St., died Sunday, April 9, 1995, in Bauford County Hospital.
Mr. Tillery was a native of the Berkley section of Norfolk and was a retired pipe fitter in Shop 52 of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard where he worked for 32 years. After retirement, Mr. Tillery moved to Washington, N.C., where he lived at the time of his death. He was a member of St. Lukes Church of Christ Disciples, Washington, N.C. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Tillery was the owner and operator of Griffin's Beach in Washington, N.C., for over 50 years. Griffin Beach is known for fish and crabs throughout the ``Little Washington'' area. He had the proud distinction of being the only African-American to own a beach house in the Eastern North Carolina area.
Survivors include his wife, Lela P. Tillery of the home; four daughters, Carolyn Tillery-Hayes of Virginia Beach, Lynn Tillery of Greensboro, Cryshunda Tillery of Norfolk, and Crywiley Tillery of the home; one sister, Ella Lee Midjette of Washington, N.C.; grandchild, Tova L. Hayes of Virginia Beach; and a devoted son-in-law, Johnny Hayes.
The funeral will be conducted Thursday, April 13, 1995, at noon by Bishop Armstrong in Mount Hebron Church, West 6th Street, Washington, N.C. Burial will be in the family cemetery. The family will be at Route 5, Box 243, Washington, N.C., (919) 946-4124. Randolph Funeral Home, 219 Bonner St., Washington, N.C., in charge. ILLUSTRATION: Personal Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY
by CNB