Roger Lewis Tilley, M.D.

Dr. Roger “Doc” Tilley, 72, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 22. He was met by Jesus and reunited with his mother and father, Dr. Lewis Brown Tilley and Essie Faye Bryan Tilley, who preceded him to glory. He is also preceded by his grandparents, Lewis Cadmus Tilley and Manie Brown Tilley, James Witt Bryan, and Zula Pearl Bryan.

Dr. Tilley is survived by his much loved children, Rachel Ellen Farrell (husband Max), Rebecca Leigh Tilley, and Clay Spikes (wife Lauren). He is also survived by the joys of his life- his grandchildren: Vivian Faye Schlau, Martha May Schlau, Noel Winston Schlau, Louisa Bell Farrell, Daisy Grace Farrell, Maeson Faye Spikes, and Oliva Kay Spikes.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Jean Tilley (mother of Clay Spikes), who provided much care and love to him. He is also survived by the mother of his daughters, Melody Dawn St. John. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Steve Bryan Tilley (wife Merilyn), and sister Dr. Jill Tilley Steinsiek (husband Dr. Bill); nephews Spencer Barrett Tilley and Justin Tilley; nieces Jessica Nicole Steinsiek and Abigail Bryan Steinsiek; and many more cousins. Also left behind is his cherished cat, Biscuit-Boo Kitty.

Dr. Tilley was born and raised in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He graduated 3rd in his class and was the National Honor Society president during his senior year. He was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. While growing up, he enjoyed baseball, football, and basketball. He attended Henderson State University for 3 years and was admitted to the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1974. After graduating in 1978 and completing several post graduate positions, he was hired by the medical group, Hogue, Martindale, and Thorn in Benton, Arkansas.

Dr. Tilley practiced medicine for over 40 years and was a beloved family medicine doctor. He was a compassionate and loving physician who often developed friendships with his patients. They were part of his family. During the later years, he denied a desire to retire and was adamant about working until he died. He accomplished that goal. He was an optimist, with a good sense of humor and a love for life.

Dr. Tilley had various passions throughout his life. Early on, he enjoyed sports, trumpet playing, Boy Scouts, and card games. As an adult, he developed a love for country western/line dancing, gardening, genealogy, and gambling. He enjoyed playing cards and shooting craps with his many friends. He would want you to know that he was also an avid “cat person” and was a proud cat daddy for most of his life.

Dr. Tilley loved spending time with family more than anything. He cherished holidays and being surrounded by loved ones. He became the best granddaddy/Pepaw to all of his 7 grandchildren, and he cherished all the adventures he had with them.

To honor Dr. Tilley’s life, a visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., in Benton, Arkansas.

Dr. Tilley will be remembered as a unique individual who remained unapologetically himself until the very end, but more importantly, he will be remembered as one of the greatest dads who ever lived.

Services have been entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com