Douglas Arthur Tilton

Douglas Arthur Tilton – Fayetteville, NC

Douglas Arthur Tilton, age 66, passed away suddenly at Cape Fear Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC on March 3, 2022. He was born on August 21, 1955 to Gloria Faith (Lee) Raia and Howard Tilton. He was raised by his beloved mother, Gloria Faith and his stepfather, James Vincent Raia in Salem, NH where he also attended High School.

In 1976 Doug married the love of his life, Lynn Marie (Horn) Tilton. They moved to Manchester, NH where they created a life together. They later moved to Suncook, NH where they spent many years. He earned a degree in Automotive Technology from Manchester Vocational College. He was an outstanding mechanic and a Platinum Certified Chrysler and Dodge Technician. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. Doug enjoyed his family and friends, motorcycles, anything that could be taken apart and rebuilt, gardening, playing pool, collecting, and making people laugh. He always had a good dad joke up his sleeve.

Later, he moved to the Harnett County North Carolina area to be closer to his brother Rick Tilton, so that they could enjoy riding motorcycles together in the nice weather. His many years of hard work paid off when he started D & R Small Engine Repair in Sanford, NC.  Doug was a very kind and generous person who treated everyone with love and respect. He would do anything to help, whether you were his friend or a stranger. He loved all animals, especially those he called his own over the years. His thirteen-year-old chocolate lab Dakota will miss him terribly. He was a spiritual and sentimental person who believed the most important part of life was not what we have but who we have, and that our time should be spent with loved ones.

He leaves behind his son, Nathan Tilton and his wife, Liz of Allenstown NH; daughter, Jessica LeClair and her significant other, Eric Spinale of Northwood, NH; six grandchildren, Trenton LeClair, Trevor LeClair, Cody LeClair, Darian Tilton, Connor Tilton, and Patrick Parker; six siblings, Howard Tilton and his wife, Theresa of Colorado Springs, CO,  Rick Tilton and his wife, Patty of Harnett County, NC,  Brad Tilton of Treasure Island, FL, Sheryl Briggs and her husband, Bob of Olin, NC, Daryl Tilton of Manchester, NH and Maria Hamilton and her husband, Russell of Salem, NH.  Many nephews, nieces and countless friends also survive him.

Calling hours are Saturday March 26, 2022 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. A service will follow the calling hours at the funeral home at 11:30 AM.  Donations may be made to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, 3927 Bragg Blvd. Fayetteville, NC 28303-3852. Please visit www.gopundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

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