Paul Joseph Tilley

Brazil, Indiana

Paul Joseph Tilley, 84, passed away Friday, September 11, 2020 at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born in Brazil, Indiana on September 14, 1935 to the late William and Anna Mae (Gentry) Tilley. Paul graduated from Brazil High School and served his country in the National Guard. He married Anita Kay Payne on November 25, 1959, and earned his Bachelors, Master’s and 6th Year Degree from Indiana State University. He and Anita are members of Ebenezer Church.

Paul was a lifetime educator, retiring from teaching in 2000 after 41 years. He began his teaching career in 1959 in Cory, Indiana. He later moved to Brazil Jr. High School teaching U.S History, and later was asked to serve as the Assistant Basketball Coach at the High School so he transferred to teach U.S. and World History as well as wood shop. Paul also served the school corporation as the Athletic Director and later as the Assistant Principal of the High School. Through his 40 plus years teaching, he also spent every summer teaching drivers education. Paul was also a real estate broker and partner with Clay County Real Estate Company. 

In his free time, he enjoyed coon hunting and spending time with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward and Henry Tilley, as well as his sister-in-law, Helen Tilley.

Mr. Tilley is survived by his wife, Anita; daughter, Kim (John) Murray; son, Randy (Melissa) Tilley all of Brazil; grandchildren, Hunter (May) Reberger, Savanna (Ronnie Delp) Green, Nick (Sandra) Alexander, Dustin Alexander; as well as great-grandchildren, Harrison, Ryan, Phoenix, Mason, Logan, Braden, Carsyn, and Maylee. He is also survived by his brother, Siebert Tilley of Albuquerque, New Mexico; cousin, Mary Nell Hudson, St. Louis, Missouri; and special coffee drinking buddy, Jim Sheese of Brazil.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Ebenezer Church in Brazil with Pastor Bill Price officiating and a private burial at a later date. The family will accept friends at the church for visitation on Saturday, from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service.