Louis Clinton Tilley

Louis C. Tilley was born on June 19, 1947, at Brooks General Hospital on Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

He attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), where he majored in Business Management.

Throughout his career, Louis was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and sharp business mind. He served as Head of Security for Wendy’s International, and later worked in management roles with Sears, Taco Bell, and Rainbow Restoration. Earlier in life, he worked offshore on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and proudly served in the United States Navy.

It was during his time working in the Gulf that Louis met the love of his life, Linda, in New Orleans while on shore leave. In the mid-1970s, he owned and operated a restaurant in Longview, Texas, before moving his family to Ecuador, where he became the General Manager of one of the largest copper mines in the Andes Mountains—then the fourth largest in the world. After several years in the Andes, he managed a banana plantation on the Ecuadorian coast before returning to Texas in 1983.

Louis was a man of great faith and once aspired to become a priest. Family always came first—he made sure his children gathered for Sunday dinners, instilling in them the importance of unity and love. He was deeply devoted to his family and found joy in life’s simple moments.

A proud fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, Louis was also known for his quick wit, sarcasm, and infectious laugh. He loved old westerns—especially The Lone Ranger—and martial arts films featuring Bruce Lee. In fact, as a little boy who once got lost in a grocery store, the announcement over the loudspeaker asked, “Would the parents of The Lone Ranger please come to the front?”

He cherished time with family—whether skiing the snowy slopes of Breckenridge, relaxing on the beaches of South Padre Island, or cooking unforgettable holiday meals. He was the best cook and loved to share his recipes for Italian favorites, BBQ, and holiday dishes. His daughter fondly remembers giving him head massages during football games—until she discovered he had been secretly resetting the timer to extend them.

Louis gave a memorable and moving speech at his daughter’s wedding, sharing his wisdom on love and marriage. He was a natural speaker who could captivate any room. Athletic and determined, Louis completed multiple triathlons and marathons—his children will never forget joking about his “giant calves.”

As his eldest son shared, “Some of my most treasured memories were our years in South America—visiting copper mines, fishing in volcanic lakes, exploring Inca sites, and spending family summers on Ecuador’s beaches. Dad taught us to work hard, do things right, treat others with respect, and above all, to always put Family First.”

Louis’s proudest moments included receiving a commendation from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover for helping apprehend a bank robber as a high school senior, providing steadfastly for his family, and achieving personal athletic goals through marathon running and triathlons.

He found joy in cooking, cycling, running, and listening to oldies and comedy classics like The Three Stooges and The Naked Gun. Ever the adventurer, in his younger years he even once outraced a police officer in one of his beloved sports cars.

Louis was the son of John Allen Tilley (1911–1996) and Anna Enedina Ferrara Tilley (1923–1997).

He is survived by his brother Frank Tilley; children Chuck Tilley, Michael Tilley, and Anna True; and grandchildren Halie True, Julianna Tilley, and Ella Grace Tilley. He was preceded in death by his parents Anna Enedina Ferrara and John Allen Tilley; his son Louis F. Tilley.

Louis will be remembered as a man of integrity, faith, humor, and love—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose laughter and lessons will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.