Dealership owner Don Tilley dies in motorcycle crash
Don Tilley, owner of Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville and Salisbury, N.C., died in a motorcycle crash Friday.
Tilley and his wife were riding back from the Harley-Davidson dealer meeting when the crash occurred on Blue Ridge Parkway in Buncombe County, according to multiple reports. Tilley’s wife Robinette was critically injured. The Tilleys’ bike was the only vehicle involved in the crash.
On Sunday customers paid their respects at Tilley’s dealerships. The following message has been left on the websites and Facebook pages of both dealerships:
It is with our deepest regret to announce that Don and Robinette have been involved in a motorcycle accident on Friday August 29th. We are extremely sad to say that we have lost our beloved Don Tilley and that Robinette is currently in critical condition. We ask that everyone keep the entire Tilley family in their thoughts and prayers. We thank you all for your love and condolences and appreciate the many years of loyalty to the Tilley Harley-Davidson Family. DON TILLEY 1936-2014. He will be missed by all.
A Don Tilley memorial ride will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7, with kickstands up at 4 p.m. from Tilley Harley-Davidson of Salisbury and at 5 p.m. from Tilley Harley-Davidson of Statesville. Police will escort the ride to Statesville High School, where a 6:30 p.m. memorial service will be held. A private funeral for family and friends only will be held Monday, Sept. 8.
To read more about Tilley from WCNC, click here.